Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Vermillion Moos, R.N..
Janet, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 1959 Texas billionaire oilman Herbert Hunt began developing one of Plano’s first planned communities, Dallas North Estates. As a draw for the neighborhood, he envisioned a Texas shaped swimming pool. His vision became a reality when in 1961 the Texas Pool opened as the exclusive, members-only, Dallas North Swim Club. The Miss Plano Pageant was held there, 325 member families supported the pool, and times were good for over 40 years.
In 1997 when my family moved to the Dallas North Estates neighborhood it was almost impossible to score a family membership to the Texas Pool. Folks camped out in a long line each spring just hoping to get in. Yet, by 2007 the dynamics of society changed, the neighborhood aged, and the Texas Pool was almost lost to history. I joined a handful of volunteers determined to save it.
In 2010, after Texas Pool memberships dropped to a low of 50, I began exploring ways of saving the pool forever, not just for the next season. My plan for change included nonprofit status, historic landmark designation, and transformation from a private club to a community gathering place. In 2012, I founded the Texas Pool Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity. I sought out dynamic, positive energy volunteers who shared my passion for the pool’s future.
I used social media marketing to reach out to the public, the City of Plano, the media, and others. I redefined what the Texas Pool was and could be.
From 2012-2016 the Texas Pool Foundation existed side-by-side with the original managing entity, the Dallas North Community Club and I served on both boards. However, in 2017, with research, presentations, discussions, and a historic vote, the Texas Pool became the Texas Pool Foundation, and the Dallas North Community Club was dissolved. A unified Board Team, with innovative leadership, dedicated volunteers, and community outreach, charted a new course for the Texas Pool. In 2019, the Texas Pool was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
2021 marks the Texas Pool’s 60th Anniversary, and my 14th season working with the Texas Pool Board Team. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our community in unprecedented ways, the Texas Pool has continued to safely welcome visitors, guests, and members and to give back.
Our Little Free Library, and Little Free Pantry are open 24/7. We’ve partnered with Tankproof and with other nonprofits to provide swim safety and swimming opportunities for underserved populations of Collin and Dallas Counties. Barter, hardship, discounted, volunteer, and seasonal supporting memberships are available. Service projects are welcome. The Texas Pool Foundation is a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Community is now at the heart of the Texas Pool’s mission.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Over the years, there have certainly been unusual obstacles to overcome and difficulties to resolve. Today, the Texas Pool is managed, maintained, and marketed almost entirely by volunteers. As the Texas Pool’s public presence and community-centric programs have grown, it has become increasingly challenging to operate with a small all-volunteer team. The solution will be to expand volunteer participation and to monetize some positions with increased fundraising. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Texas Pool is eligible for tax deductible donations and gifts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Texas Pool Foundation?
The Texas Pool Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the historic Texas Pool site and to community outreach. The Texas Pool is the very first Texas-shaped pool in the world and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this is especially true at the Texas Pool. Nestled in nature there are ancient fossils and Sauropod dinosaur footprints in an adjacent creek, and an award-winning butterfly garden is featured. The Gulf Coast and Texas flag murals add a festive Arts ambiance.
The Texas Pool is DFW’s closest saltwater destination, has mermaids, and is the official pool for Elizabeth Swims. Our volunteers and lifeguards are ambassadors for the historic site and tours are available. As Founder of the Texas Pool Foundation, I am grateful for the energy and expertise of the many volunteers and supporters who have contributed to the Texas Pool’s legacy across the years. It is a legacy that now belongs to the community, and everyone has a chance to #SwimAcrossTexas!
What were you like growing up?
Very early on in my life, I learned to navigate independently. The word “impossible” has never been in my vocabulary. Medicine, healthcare, and community captured my interest from the beginning and ultimately led to a passion for giving back. I am thankful to God for the opportunities and experiences that I’ve been blessed with. That I have had the support of my husband and 5 loving daughters has been an incredible gift. Gratitude and joy are connected, and to change the world in positive ways we must let go of fear and have faith. “Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy” Luke 2:10.
Contact Info:
- Email: janet@texaspool.org
- Website: www.TexasPool.org
- Instagram: the_texas_pool
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texaspool
- Twitter: o @texaspoolplano
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ElizabethSwims
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-texas-pool-plano
