Campus Cabana Pool History

🏡 1956–1960: The Campus Hills Community was developed between 1956 and 1958 by Ralph DeChiaro and Anthony Sanzo. After completing 370 homes, they built Campus Cabana Pool in 1960.

🔄 1966: Campus Cabana was originally intended to be owned by residents of Campus Hills, but low membership led to its management being turned over to Maryland Pools. From 1966 to 1981, members paid approximately $300 annually, but held no ownership or bonds.

⚠️ 1981: DeChiaro Enterprises indicated their intent to sell the pool property to Sheraton Hotel. Concerned members — Vince Carlin, Dick Banks, and Bob Breschi — intervened and began exploring a community-led purchase involving 350 member families.

📝 1981: DeChiaro Enterprises agreed to sell the pool and land for $1, provided members formed a legal corporation. Campus Cabana Inc. was founded and the property was deeded with a clause stating that ownership would revert to DeChiaro Enterprises if the site ever ceased to operate as a recreational pool.

👥 1981: The first Board of Directors was elected. 250 families each contributed $250 in bonds, plus annual membership fees, securing the pool's future under community ownership.

🛠️ 1983: A $50,000 renovation was completed, including early snack bar upgrades.

🏗️ Mid-1980s: A pavilion was constructed and the snack bar received additional improvements.

🚿 1995: A $90,000 renovation upgraded the pool office, showers, restrooms, and the scullery (kitchen/snack bar).

⚙️ 2003: A $140,000 infrastructure improvement project was completed, focusing primarily on pool system upgrades.

🎢 2013: The pool slide and diving board were replaced with modernized equipment.

👶 2017: The baby pool was rebuilt, a new lifeguard shack was added, and the snack bar was expanded. The sandbox was relocated to accommodate the improved footprint.