Not sure about other pools in the area - don’t use them - they might also be ‘privately owned’ by other Home Owners Association(s) - not tax-payer funded. The ‘planned community association’ BOD members are responsible for making decisions....much like elected County and State supervisors. Same difference....it’s all about power and pushing an agenda.
There’s the mandatory HOA fee and perhaps optional membership fees for using facilities. Otherwise it’s communism for the affluent.
Columbia seems to be a clean and well maintained community, and I suppose a pleasant/convenient place to live, but there’s a sterile feel to it. Guess I’m just not a planned community type of person. Regards.