Westwood Icon in Crisis: Pascack Valley Swim Club Battles to Stay Afloat for 2026 Season
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, A staple of summer life in Westwood, NJ, is facing its “most serious budgetary obstacle ever.” The Pascack Valley Swim Club, which has served the community since 1963, is struggling with a crushing combination of rising property taxes and expensive, state-mandated upgrades.
During a recent Mayor & Council meeting on February 17, 2026, club leadership and local residents made an emotional plea for borough intervention to ensure the pool remains open for the upcoming season.
The $40,000 Tax Hurdle
At the heart of the crisis is a $40,000 annual property tax levy. Swim Camp Director Scott McGuire noted that while the club is only operational for three months of the year, it has paid over $1 million in taxes to Westwood since its inception.
“This cost is a tremendous hurdle… and it represents the vast majority of operating losses over the past couple of years,” McGuire told the council. The club is requesting that the borough either suspend, eliminate, or rezone the recreation area to provide financial breathing room.
Why the Club Matters: Beyond Just a Pool
The Pascack Valley Swim Club isn’t just a place to cool off—it’s a community infrastructure hub.
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Summer Camp: Since 2022, the club has hosted hundreds of children weekly for camp.
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Schools: Local elementary schools like Brookside and Berkeley host graduation celebrations on-site.
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Public Safety: The Westwood Fire Department utilizes the pool for specialized training.
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Generational Impact: Residents spoke of grandchildren taking the same lessons their parents did decades ago.
The Perfect Financial Storm
According to Club President Terri Rivers, several factors have converged to create this year’s deficit:
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Safety Mandates: A $13,000 state-mandated device for underground wiring safety.
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Infrastructure Repairs: Multiple motor failures costing $10,000 each.
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Tax Status: Because the club is not a full non-profit, it does not qualify for traditional exemptions.
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Market Shifts: Declining traditional memberships, though the new summer camp has provided a vital revenue stream.
The Mayor’s Response: A Complex Path Forward
Mayor Raymond Arroyo acknowledged the club as a “valuable amenity” but noted that the tax issue is legally complex. The borough is currently navigating a challenging budget as residential property values rise, shifting the tax burden across the town.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. Mayor Arroyo indicated that the council is brainstorming ideas for restructuring the club to ensure its survival, with further conversations planned between the borough and club leadership.
“Everywhere we look, there’s big buildings going up… There’s no outdoor space. We’re losing that fresh air of kids running around. That’s why we’re so passionate.” — Terri Rivers, Club President
How Can You Help?
The club is actively seeking partnerships rather than “handouts” to help fund improvements and provide operational “wiggle room.” Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming membership drives and community fundraisers.
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Secondary Keywords: NJ property tax relief, recreational zoning NJ, Brookside Elementary graduation pool, Bergen County community news.
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Go full non profit
problem solved
Too bad they don’t like paying real estate taxes.
Nobody else does either.
Exempting a private club just shifts the cost to everyone else.
We would love to know how much money the village pool brings in. And what does it cost to rent that place everything. That would be interesting.
I hope the past Jackson club can be saved. I used to belong there a long time ago. I remember the pool. I love the pool very much. I hope the mayor can savee I hope that we can save the pool in Westwood the past next I usually belong there. It’s a nice pool. I hope the mayor and council and the tax department we can save the pool cuz I hate to see that pool being developed into condos. I don’t know why a child doesn’t know by the pool or maybe the recreation center
??