Ideas for Widening the reach of recreational and fitness activities

by C&RB Staff (editor@clubandresortbusiness.com)
April 2007
 

See Spot Swim: A “Doggy Paddle Pool Party” held in October at Sand Creek Country Club, Chesterton, Ind., created a special reason to celebrate the end of the season. An $8 fee admitted “one dog and one human” to the festivities, which raised $3,500 for the county animal shelter’s spay/neuter fund. Additional humans, and those without dogs, could get in for $2. For two hour-and-a-half periods during the four-hour event, the Sand Creek pool was cleared for “open swims for canines of all sizes” and was soon filled with begoggled pooches and retrievers fetching tennis balls, floating discs and other objects. A local artist was hired to paint a large canvas of the hairy scene, and guests placed in-progress bids on the work as it took form. Another artist was on hand to do canine caricatures. Dog owners had to provide proof of the pet’s vaccination at the time of entry. The event proved so successful and popular that Sand Creek plans to make it an annual event.

The Old College Try: Many clubs have discovered the value of tying in their tennis programs with those of colleges and universities in their area. The Western Racquet Club of Elm Grove, Wis. (suburban Milwaukee), has partnered with Marquette University to host a three-day tournament, to which other college teams are invited, on its new championship-style courts. Members welcome the participating student-athletes into their homes, providing a valuable connection to the club. Over 1,200 people have attended the event, which also, through sponsorships, raises funds for sportsmanship awards and scholarship programs for tennis education in Milwaukee public schools.

At Desert Highlands in Scottsdale, Ariz., the woman’s tennis team from Arizona State University (ASU) in nearby Tempe is invited for an annual fundraiser, through which Desert Highlands members pay $125 per player (as a tax-deductible donation) to be partnered with a collegiate player for a friendly mixed-doubles competition. Members also host their partners for a courtside barbecue after the matches.

The event, which Tennis Director Eric Anderson brought to Desert Highlands in 2005, after having similar success for 16 years with the University of Arizona while at the Tucson Country Club, clearly helps “build a family of tennis players,” reports General Manager and Vice President Terra Waldron. It’s a win for ASU as well, she adds, by promoting the team’s upcoming season and leading to more attendance at the Sun Devils’ home matches.

“The members love the excitement of college tennis, and the event fills up without the need for any promotional phone calls or e-mails from staff,” says Waldron. “In fact, it is so successful that another may be added [to accommodate] waitlisted members. And, since many non-tennis playing members come as spectators, our Saturday tennis center barbecue lunch revenue has also increased.”

Horsing Around: According to the American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF), horseback riding is among the five fastest growing sports in the United States. “Horses are the new golf,” says a provider of equestrian services. Currently, nearly two million people own the 9.2 million horses in the U.S., and another two million people are involved as equestrian volunteers or engaged in the equestrian lifestyle through family affiliation, according to a 2005 AHCF study. As a result, more and more lifestyle communities are including equestrian centers on their list of desired amenities. The equestrian center at Glenmore Country Club in Keswick, Va., for example, includes a 32-stall boarding barn, paddock area, training and teaching arena and a professional event show ring for seasoned equestrians. The club also caters to the casual rider with a full calendar of activities and lessons for riders of all ages.