Crumplar Lap Pool
The Story Behind The Building Of The Waynewood Lap Pool
The original WRA swimming pool complex was completed and opened in the summer of 1961. The main pool was L-shaped with six swimming lanes and a diving tank. Within several years, when the neighborhood was complete, the pool became crowded, particularly on hot days, with standing room only. Adults who wanted to swim laps were effectively limited to the hourly 15 minute break. Additionally, there was competition for pool time between the swim team, instructors giving lessons, swimmers, the diving team and the ladies exercise group.
The WRA Board of Directors recognized the problem and, during the late 60s, began discussing the idea of building a second pool. The Board felt that a lap pool would provide the additional capacity needed. At that time, the WRA President was Howard Roycroft. Another Director was Colonel John R. Crumplar, who had moved into Waynewood in 1959. Colonel Crumplar was an avid swimmer, sportsman, sports fan, and supporter of youth league sports. All nine directors favored building a second pool.
However, the membership was divided on the issue. Various groups were formed, both pro and con, and the issue became contentious. The main arguments against building the new pool were noise and lack of necessity. The estimated cost of the new pool was modest at $17,000, but assumed the ability to use the main pool’s pump and filters. After much discussion, debate, and study, President Roycroft called a special business meeting to let the membership decide how to proceed.
The special business meeting was c contentious, with many heated exchanges. One WRA member present was attorney Antonin Scalia. Mr. Scalia, who later became a supreme court justice, was at that time working at the US Department of Justice. A skilled orator, Mr. Scalia spoke persuasively at the meeting, and his presence and words played a large role in convincing the membership to proceed with the project.
Colonel Crumplar became the Board’s lead for the project. To assist with the legal work that is always required in such matters, Colonel Crumplar recruited the services of a WRA member whose name has been lost in time. And experienced real estate attorney, this member performed hundreds of hours of pro bono work for the association. Once plans for the new pool were drawn up, the proposal went to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for approval.
At that point, the project hit a major snag. The Fairfax County Transportation Office insisted that additional parking spaces be built–on the WRA baseball field (Shafer Field). As the membership did not want to give up the ball field, which had in 1968 been named in honor of Earl C. Shafer, the requirement appeared to be a deal breaker. However, Colonel Crumplar, a member of nearby Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, came up with an idea. He approached the church and asked for permission to designate the church parking lot as the official overflow parking area for the WRA. The church went along with the plan, and so did the County. The Board of Supervisors approved the amended construction plan, sparing Schaeffer Field. In reality, Plymouth Haven’s parking lot has rarely if ever been used by pool patrons, but the plan broke the impasse.
At that point, having overcome all barriers, obtained all necessary permits, and developed a shovel-ready plan, Colonel Crumplar handed the project off to his successor, who oversaw the contracting and construction. The new lap pool opened on Memorial Day weekend, 1971 and has been enjoyed by thousands of WRA families ever since. Due to Colonel Crumplar’s vision, leadership, resourcefulness, and drive, members enjoy a beautiful lap pool to this day. To recognize Colonel Crumplar’s long and distinguished service to our neighborhood and to our association, the WRA Board of Directors in 2009 decided to name the lap pool in his honor. The official announcement was made during the Waynewood Dolphins’ (swim team) end-of-season banquet on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at the pool, with Colonel Crumplar attending.
This content last updated April 24, 2011 @ 4:12 pm