For 100 years, Sewickley-area families have gathered at Woodland Swim Club for swimming, sports and socialization.

“It’s really as Mayberry as you can get,” said Rebecca Earlewine, Woodland board president. “It’s really laid back. Families tend to belong quite a long time. … The kids can walk or ride bikes to it. The relaxed nature makes it very special.”

There will be some new rules this season as a result of the state’s coronavirus reopening plan, but Earlewine said guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control will be followed. The club has limited this season’s membership and will operate at a reduced capacity. As guidelines change, the club will adapt, Earlewine said.

“We’re focused on opening the club and keeping the club safe,” she said. “It’s a bummer that it happened during our 100-year anniversary, but we’re very fortunate we can open.”

The club’s first pool, located on Woodland Road Extension next to Little Sewickley Creek, was built in 1920 on land purchased from Ethelbert Nevin. In 1968, the club became a nonprofit with help from Orrin Hatch, whose first job out of law school was working for Robert Grigsby, an original Woodland board member. Hatch would go on to serve as the senator of Utah for more than 40 years.

The club has remained a popular spot for area families since its inception. In addition to amenities, Earlewine said Woodland is in such demand because members have a sense of ownership. Upgrades like the new sports court and maintenance are usually performed by members on a volunteer basis.

“When people volunteer, it increases the bond people have with the organization,” she said.

There also is a real sense of community, said Earlewine, as many children take their first swim in the Woodland pool, and go on to join the swim team and become lifeguards.

Earlewine credited current and former boards with implementing a plan that keeps the club sustainable.

“If you look at pools like ours, they’re kind of a dying breed. This year, there will be a number of pools that don’t open and may never open,” she said.

In addition to persevering, board treasurer Eric Carlson said that his priorities are to be a good resource for members and a good member of the community

“Our family was on the waitlist for three years,” he said. “It was worth it. This is a great little resource within the community. We’re fortunate to have a long waitlist and a healthy club.”

For more information, visit http://www.woodlandswimclub.com.

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