Please take about a minute to read this post. Thank you.
I posted a few polls on Facebook to get us all thinking about what it costs to run our pool.


Here are the answers for us self-managing. Self-managing is 100% volunteer run and maintained, the only personnel costs we have are for the lifeguards.
Chemicals costs = $4500
Lifeguard costs = $16,000
Maintenance, supplies, painting, repairs = average $4500/yr.
Roughly it costs us $25K a year to self-manage our pool and provide a great atmosphere for our families AND also employ 10+ teens and teach them the responsibilities associated with such an important job and often their first job.
Prior to COVID, we were paying $25K to a pool management company to handle lifeguard and chemical costs. We (volunteers) were handling maintenance, supplies, painting, and repairs when needed. C OVID was a blessing for us…the pool management company was not going to open us due to unknowns and staffing issues they were having. The VGCA Board made the decision to self-manage in the summer of 2020 and we had a safe, successful, and wonderful summer escape during the pandemic.

Last summer we had two quotes from local pool management companies and both came back at $46K for lifeguard and chemical costs. We would still be responsible for supplies, maintenance, and repairs. That simply is not something VGCA can afford, thus why volunteers are crucial to our pool.
Consider, we have had to deal with incremental increases in minimum wage from $7.50/hr in 2020 to $12.41/hr for 2025. Nearly a 66% increase. Pool chemical costs have increase by about 40% since 2020 as well (similar to everyone’s grocery bills). Yet, we have been able to maintain pool memberships with only a slight increase in costs in those 5 years (approx $50 per membership).
Volunteers are key to the Village Green Community Association and without their help and the continued support of our members, we could not afford to keep the pool open.
So, if you or your family use the pool please consider volunteering time when I ask for help. In the grand scheme of time enjoyed at the pool, I am only asking for a little bit of volunteer time from you. Thank you.
For those that are not pool members, please consider joining as it helps us keep the pool open for the this generation as well as the next! If we do not have enough volunteers or financial support, then the pool may need to be closed and ultimately be filled in similar to other neighborhood pools over the years.
Our pool is in excellent condition and that is due to key volunteers (me, Connor, Ryan G, Ryan L, Peter G, Pete F, Glenn M, and many others) performing significant maintenance and repairs on it over the past 5-7 years.
Please consider supporting the pool or even just donating to VGCA at vgnn.org/join
Thank you!
Long-Term I-64 Lane Closures Scheduled to Begin in Newport News
/in Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorBeginning as early as May 5, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will implement long-term lane closures on I-64 in Newport News as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment project. These closures are expected to continue through early 2026.
Key Details:
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs, and drive distraction-free.
Click here to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts, and to sign up to receive project updates.
757 Sober Rides for Cinco de Mayo
/in Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorDrive Safe Hampton Roads Offering 757 Sober Rides for Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a time of celebration but it’s also a time to make smart choices. To help keep our roads safe, Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is once again sponsoring the 757 Sober Ride program for Cinco de Mayo.
How It Works
The offer is only valid for rides that begin or end in the Hampton Roads area and only while promo code supplies last. Standard Lyft Terms of Service apply. Whether you’re heading out to a party, a restaurant, or a local event, be sure to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving.
Newport News Election 2025
/in Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorIn-person, early voting, and ballot drop-off stations will be available at the following locations for the Tuesday, June 17 Primaries:
City Hall in-person early voting begins Friday, May 2 and will continue Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
City Center, Fountain Plaza II in-person early voting will begin Tuesday, May 6 and will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Denbigh Community Center in-person early voting will begin Monday, June 2, and continues Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
All three locations will be open on Saturday, June 7, and Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Important Dates
VGCA Pool Costs Self Managed vs Pool Management Company
/in Uncategorized /by VGCA Pool ManagerPlease take about a minute to read this post. Thank you.
I posted a few polls on Facebook to get us all thinking about what it costs to run our pool.
Here are the answers for us self-managing. Self-managing is 100% volunteer run and maintained, the only personnel costs we have are for the lifeguards.
Chemicals costs = $4500
Lifeguard costs = $16,000
Maintenance, supplies, painting, repairs = average $4500/yr.
Roughly it costs us $25K a year to self-manage our pool and provide a great atmosphere for our families AND also employ 10+ teens and teach them the responsibilities associated with such an important job and often their first job.
Prior to COVID, we were paying $25K to a pool management company to handle lifeguard and chemical costs. We (volunteers) were handling maintenance, supplies, painting, and repairs when needed. C OVID was a blessing for us…the pool management company was not going to open us due to unknowns and staffing issues they were having. The VGCA Board made the decision to self-manage in the summer of 2020 and we had a safe, successful, and wonderful summer escape during the pandemic.
Last summer we had two quotes from local pool management companies and both came back at $46K for lifeguard and chemical costs. We would still be responsible for supplies, maintenance, and repairs. That simply is not something VGCA can afford, thus why volunteers are crucial to our pool.
Consider, we have had to deal with incremental increases in minimum wage from $7.50/hr in 2020 to $12.41/hr for 2025. Nearly a 66% increase. Pool chemical costs have increase by about 40% since 2020 as well (similar to everyone’s grocery bills). Yet, we have been able to maintain pool memberships with only a slight increase in costs in those 5 years (approx $50 per membership).
Volunteers are key to the Village Green Community Association and without their help and the continued support of our members, we could not afford to keep the pool open.
So, if you or your family use the pool please consider volunteering time when I ask for help. In the grand scheme of time enjoyed at the pool, I am only asking for a little bit of volunteer time from you. Thank you.
For those that are not pool members, please consider joining as it helps us keep the pool open for the this generation as well as the next! If we do not have enough volunteers or financial support, then the pool may need to be closed and ultimately be filled in similar to other neighborhood pools over the years.
Our pool is in excellent condition and that is due to key volunteers (me, Connor, Ryan G, Ryan L, Peter G, Pete F, Glenn M, and many others) performing significant maintenance and repairs on it over the past 5-7 years.
Please consider supporting the pool or even just donating to VGCA at vgnn.org/join
Thank you!
VGCA Membership Drive 2025
/in Village Green /by VGCA Pool Manager5 free one-time use pool passes will be provided to those who register for pool memberships by April 30th. Get your passes now!
The Village Green Community Association membership drive is under way – be sure to join in our summer fun this year by joining the community association and the pool! The pool has always been the heart of the neighborhood, especially for our children, and this summer will be no different. The swim team will be hitting the water in June.
Our VGCA Events Coordinator also has many events planned for our neighborhood. Help support those events and the maintenance of our park and common areas for just $100 a year (pool memberships are more).
Membership flyers were delivered in March. You may fill out the flyer and return it to the green mailbox at 721 Village Green Pkwy, or you can link to the online membership form and pay via Paypal (fees apply).
If you have membership-related questions, please email [email protected]
VGCA Pool Cover Removal Sunday, Apr 27@4pm (10 mins)
/in Pool, Village Green, Village Green Volunteers /by VGCA Pool ManagerWe will need about 15 strong individuals to help us remove the pool cover on Sunday, April 27 at 4pm.
Please be prompt as we will start right at 4pm and it only takes 10 mins to do.
Thank you in advance!
Outdoor Enthusiast Event
/in Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorGet Ready for Adventure at Newport News Park’s Outdoor Enthusiast Event
The City of Newport News invites residents and visitors alike to the 4th Annual Outdoor Enthusiast Event, held at Newport News Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 – and best of all, admission is free.
This signature event by Newport News Special Events is a celebration of everything outdoors. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to enjoy a beautiful day with your family, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include:
Live Show Schedule:
Timberworks Lumberjack Shows
11:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m.
Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Stunt Shows
10:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2:00 p.m.
Freestyle Connection BMX Bike Shows
11:30 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. | 3:00 p.m.
Motorcycle Stunt Globe Shows
11:30 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. | 3:00 p.m.
Food & Parking:
Enjoy a delicious selection of meals, desserts, and drinks from a variety of food vendors on-site. Parking is available for $10 per vehicle, and all event activities are free.
Whether you’re climbing a wall, paddling a boat, or cheering on daredevil athletes, the Outdoor Enthusiast Event offers unforgettable experiences in the heart of Newport News Park.
Visit the Outdoor Enthusiast Event page for more details or call 757-926-1400.
Follow @nnspecialevents on Instagram and “Newport News VA” on Facebook for updates and sneak peeks.
Are you Stroke Smart?
/in Safety /by VGCA Crier EditorThe Great Food Truck Race visits NN
/in Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorBig Flavors. Big Cameras. Food Network is Rolling into Newport News.
Get your appetites ready Newport News—The Great Food Truck Race is pulling up to our city, and you’re invited to be part of the action.
The Food Network fan-favorite is bringing its high-energy, flavor-packed competition right to our streets. join us for two days of delicious fun as talented food truck chefs from across the country face off in tasty challenges, serving up incredible eats and battling for food truck glory.
Where & When to Be Part of the Action:
Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for your next favorite bite or just love the thrill of a good competition, this event is for you. It’s free to attend, and each truck will be serving up their signature dishes for purchase—so come hungry.
What to Expect:
Mark your calendars, grab your foodie friends, and get ready to taste your way through one of the most exciting culinary events to hit Newport News. Let’s show the world how our city does food.
Pool hours for 2025 have been posted
/in Pool, Village Green /by VGCA Pool ManagerPlease visit this location for the pool hours this season: