With the change in Virginia law and a change in our insurance effective July 1, Dominion Hills Area Recreation Association (“DHARA”) has implemented the following policy relating to alcoholic beverages.

Alcoholic Beverages: A paramount goal of DHARA is to provide a safe, civil, cooperative, enjoyable, family-friendly atmosphere for all of its members and for the DHARA staff and volunteers who manage the pool operations and support its activities. Alcohol is permitted on premises, subject to Virginia law, including the Alcoholic Beverage Control laws and regulations, and in compliance with these DHARA rules:

a.  At no time will DHARA provide, sell, or store alcohol for the consumption of its members, permit holders, or guests.
b.  DHARA requires members, permit holders, and guests to drink and act responsibly and to limit alcohol use around the water.
c.  If your party includes beginning or inexperienced swimmers, attend to them while they are swimming and refrain from consuming alcohol.
d.  Underage drinking is prohibited.  Do not leave alcoholic beverages unattended or otherwise assessable by underage pool attendees.  The local police will be called if any underage drinking is witnessed.
e.  Glass containers are not permitted in the pool area, the bathhouse, or any location where members, permit holders, or guests may be traversing with bare feet. (DHARA Rule 3.7)
f.  Disorderly or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. (DHARA Rule 9)
g.  Anyone consuming alcohol on the premises is responsible for having a safe means of leaving, such as a designated driver.
h.  We do not, under any circumstances, accept responsibility for any harm that results to yourself, anyone else, or any property due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
i.  Anyone not complying with these rules may be directed to leave the premises immediately or may be suspended from returning. (DHARA Rule 9.1)

We received 140 votes by email, mail, and in person at the meeting on Thursday, June 7. Moving forward on the project with a cap at $620,000 passed with an overwhelming 124 votes. Option 2, which includes using $220,000 from our capital fund, borrowing $300,000, and adding a one-time capital assessment of $200 to each membership passed by a narrow margin.

Thank you to our members for engaging in the process of renovating our Community House at two meetings and our recent vote. We are grateful for your engagement and support, and we look forward to moving this project forward and keeping you updated on the progress.

Earlier this year, the Virginia Assembly recognized the same legal prohibition and moved to change the law to allow alcohol consumption at private pools without additional permits.  The legislature passed and the governor signed H.R. 1520, which permits any private swim club operated by a nonprofit association to allow members to bring and consume their own alcoholic beverages on the premises starting July 1.

I am very excited to welcome you to the 63rd year of fun, sun, and relaxation at the Dominion Hills Area Recreation Association. Opening day for the pool is Saturday, May 12, at 10 am. Please bring your family and join your friends to welcome in another year at our association.

This summer’s calendar offers something for everyone, including early bird swim, the July 4 BBQ, family movie night, teen and kid nights, ice cream socials, overnight camp-outs, and many other family-oriented events.

The pool will be hosting its annual Memorial Day holiday cookout on May 28 from 12-2pm, so please join us then for hot dogs, hamburgers, and beverages with your fellow members.

Please also review the rules to ensure your family’s convenience and safety while at the pool.

Last but not least, the Goodlett Foundation awards a scholarship to a deserving young man and young woman each year. This scholarship is available to DHARA members only. If you or a family member will be attending college next fall, please consider applying for this award.

DHARA is an active member of the Northern Virginia Swimming League. The Board of Directors and I urge all members to support our swim and dive teams by attending the meets and encouraging your children to join either team. The competitive meet schedule is included on the calendar. Please be aware that during meets hosted at Dominion Hills, there will be parts of some days and evenings when the pool will be closed to general swimming.

If you have general questions about DHARA, our contact information is on our website, and you can contact me directly at s.christensen@me.com and our pool manager at manager@dominionhills.org. The manager, the Board of Directors and I want to make sure you have a great summer at our great pool!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we look forward to seeing all of our 500+ member families this year at the pool. Jump in—the water feels great!