Volunteer Opportunities

Updated March 17th, 2023

Fairway Farms Swim Club is a member-owned organization that depends upon its members to help keep the club in good working order. A big thank you to the numerous volunteers that stepped up to help repair and improve the club in past years – we can’t thank you enough!

As we prepare for the 2023 season, we’re putting together a list of needs that have been identified. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please submit your information in the form below.

These projects and donations are just ideas to help inspire getting involved – we’re very open to suggestions.

Donations

We do our best to replace aging club assets as quickly as possible; B&G has about $20,000 worth of work planned for 2023. However, as noted in our various updates, needs continue to exceed what the annual budget supports. Our asset registry attempts to track when items need replacement. See something on this list that’s nearing the end of life that you’d like to donate? Have an idea for something at the club that could be replaced and/or would enhance the member experience? If so, please consider donating.

Some ideas (items that we need but don’t have the budget for at the moment):

  • Pavilion Tables: Purchase or donate funds for a Lifetime brand six-foot folding picnic table or equivalent.
  • Patio Furniture: Contact B&G with proposals.
  • Large Exhaust Fans for the Restrooms: Need about $400 per fan.
  • Microwaves for the Snack Shack: Donations for purchase of commercial-grade units (about $400) or possible donation of a “spare” residential-grade unit.
  • Exhaust Fan for the Family Restroom: To exhaust heat/odors from the changing table area. Need about $100.

Projects that we’ve got in the plan – but could use money for. Outside of the capital funds we’re investing, B&G’s budget is only a few thousand dollars per season. Any dollar amount helps us to get more done.

  • Attic Insulation: Contribute funds towards insulating the attic above the family restroom and changing area to reduce heat build-up in the summer.
  • Diving Board Base Refinish: The diving board base will be removed during concrete replacement. During this time, we plan to send it off for sandblast and powder-coat. Contribute funds towards this ~$1,000 expenditure.

Grill Parts

We’re looking to refurbish as many of the five grills as we can. B&G estimates that $350 in functional components are needed per grill. A donation of any portion of this amount will help us achieve our goal of getting the grills into a better operating state. Components that B&G will purchase include:

  • Igniter Kit
  • Burner
  • Lower Grate
  • Valve Assembly
  • Grease Cup
  • Knob Set
  • Panel Cover
  • Temperature Gauge
  • Ceramic Briquettes

There are also some “nice to haves” – that focus more on aesthetics than functionality. This includes the cooking grate, the warming rack and shelves. If we are able to refurbish all grills, donations above and beyond will go towards these parts.

Projects

Unless otherwise noted, all projects will be coordinated by Building & Grounds (referred to below as “B&G”).

The projects below are listed in no particular order.

Refurbish Shutters

The three windows in the clubhouse all have locking wooden shutters to protect the facility during off-hours (and off-season). At least two sets of shutters are deteriorating badly and need to be rebuilt to replace the existing units. Some work on the frames may be needed, too.

Plant a Tree

Necessary tree work in the winter of 2022 eliminated multiple trees on the property. We want to re-plant new trees on the property to compensate for the loss. The new tree should be at least 5 to 6 feet tall. Coordinate selection with an arborist (to select an appropriate tree for the soil type) and planting location with B&G.

Multiple members may claim this opportunity. We’re hoping to plant up to half a dozen trees.

Funbrella Repairs

We purchased a new canopy/cover for the Funbrella this winter, and we’ve identified a few additional needs:

  • Wire brush (prep) the ends of the bows/braces and re-paint with white enamel spray paint.
  • Replace all nuts and bolts with new hardware (provided).
  • Install new upper and lower castings.
  • Re-string the cable to the winch (replaced last season).

Install Vacuum Breakers on the Hydrants

This is a very simple task. We need four vacuum breakers installed onto the hydrants (aka water spigots) on the clubhouse exterior. The vacuum breakers have already been purchased.

Remove Tape Residue

There is tape residue on the privacy fence by the restrooms and on the support posts in the large pavilion. Use an appropriate product to clean off this residue; it may not come off easy. Going forward we’ll use alternative means of attachment to these surfaces.

Touch-up Paint the Clubhouse Interior

There are several small areas where interior paint was damaged on the newly renovated clubhouse last season. These areas need to be prepped and painted to cover the damage. For the affected areas of drywall – ideally, a light skim coat of patching compound would be applied, followed by primer and paint.

Prepare the Small Pavilion for Paint

We want to re-paint the small pavilion before opening day – it’s been on the wish list for years. This requires much prep work (scraping) – and we can’t get it done without some help.

Prepare the Men’s Shower for Paint

The paint in the men’s shower room needs significant preparation work. We want to re-paint and properly re-install the rubber baseboard, but to do so, the walls must be stripped of loose paint and adhesive. This could be done carefully with a power washer (club-provided) if care is taken to block debris from clogging the drains.

Tennis Court Cleanup

We’ve had several volunteers work on the small strip of last on the west end of the tennis courts the last couple of years, but more work is needed. This is an open-ended task; all improvements in this area are appreciated.

Plant Flowers

Every year, buckets of donated flowers are planted that are placed around the pavilion deck. We’d also like to plant beds of annuals in the landscaping this year. For the latter, please plan some amount of periodic weeding/maintenance throughout the season. The club staff will take care to regularly water all flowers.

Trim Family Bathroom

The ceiling was replaced in the family bathroom changing area. Some additional trim work for aesthetics – and installation of a door for the attic access – is needed.

Repair Drywall Behind Sink

The drywall behind the sink in the family restroom was damaged during installation of a new pedestal sink (years ago). Repair, patch, prime, paint, etc.

Install Backstroke Flag Mounts

Four backstroke flag mounts need to be relocated and re-installed. This is a more advanced job – it’ll require a hammer drill, a sizeable coring bit (i.e., 4 inches), and setting sockets (for stanchions) into the pool deck with concrete. B&G may be able to supply some of the tools.

Adjust Fence Hinges

The hinges for the gates next to the clubhouse and at the north end of the property need adjustment (they are out of alignment). This task is relatively simple; it will require a socket set, a ladder, and moderate force to re-align the hinges onto the posts.

Deep Clean Club House

Anywhere and everywhere – the clubhouse needs a good deep cleaning. Cleaning any portion of the clubhouse, large or small, would be much appreciated.

  • Snack Shack
  • Bathrooms
  • Lobby Area
  • Basement

Re-Install Handicapped Parking Sign

The handicapped parking sign in the parking lot was knocked over and damaged in a prior winter (presumably by someone doing “donuts” in our parking lot). For this job, the post and sign should be repaired or replaced as needed, then re-installed in the appropriate spot in the lot.

Clean up Pool Deck Fence Rock

Extend and clean up the border under the fence around the pool deck. Approximately 400 to 425 sqft worth of additional material will be needed.

Repair Bench in Men’s Restroom

Mounting posts on one of the wooden benches in the men’s restroom have failed (rusted through) and must be replaced and re-anchored into (or onto) the concrete floor. There are many ways to approach this project – though it is admittedly a difficult task. Coordinate with B&G on a suitable repair.

Clean out the Shed

In the past few years, we’ve tried to keep our utility shed in better condition. The shed is in considerably better shape after the roof repairs, new doors, and new shelving. This task involves emptying a portion of the shed, vacuuming, and returning all materials in an orderly manner. We also might benefit from additional storage (hooks, shelves, etc.) if the volunteer is inclined.

Rebuild Basement Stairs

This is a big one – but we figured, “why not” and added it to the list. This requires a complete restructuring of the stairs to the basement. A large project; coordinate with B&G.