HILLSDALE—Stonybrook Swim Club likely will have a net revenue of about $300,000 for the 2021 pool season — and it’s repaid a borough loan taken out to cover expenses in 2021.
Lisa Spadafino, with the Stonybrook Pool Commission, told the Borough Council on Dec. 14, 2021 that the club posted approximately $980,000 in gross revenue in 2021 and expected a net of slightly over $300,000, before final expenses are paid.
“I think we had a very good year,” Spadafino said. She noted that utility bills still needed to be received and paid. She said the board anticipated paying off the borough loan this year and said the board was expected to vote on the matter within days. [We’re told it has since been repaid — Ed.]
At the Jan. 4, 2022 reorganization meeting, Mayor John Ruocco reported, “The governing body authorized the Stonybrook Pool Commission to issue almost half a million dollars’ worth of debt for infrastructure improvements as a tangible sign of the council’s confidence that the pool can remain viable.”
He said, “At the same time, I am happy to report that the $195,000 loan the taxpayers made to the pool utility in 2020 was paid in full so that the pool can remain a self-funding and financially independent entity.”
Spadafino said that most pool officials “agree we’re in pretty good shape.”
Councilman John Escobar asked if Stonybrook was eligible for federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds due to Covid-19’s economic impacts.
Borough administrator Chris Tietjen said the borough’s auditor was expected to provide an update soon.
Stonybrook Swim Club, at 183 Cedar Lane, was voted a 2020 Best of Bergen winner. The 12-acre property is advertised as “the perfect summer club for the entire family. Kids can jump into our diving pool, or slide down our 14 ft. slide, while parents swim in our heated competition pool.”
The club also offers members a snack bar, a basketball court, parties, live bands, and playgrounds.
The club has five pools, for different ages or activities, offers learn-to-swim programs, and is home to swim and dive teams.
Staff were directing some outreach efforts to families in the neighboring Township of Washington, whose private swim club shuttered, leaving many families still seeking bond refunds. The township is working to acquire the site for use as a pool and possible other purposes.
For more information write stonybrook@hillsdalenj.org or visit hillsdalenj.org/swimclub.