Country Club/Pool Club Advice Wanted

Howdy folks.  I'm curious if anyone belongs to one of the myriad country clubs in the area?  We're not super avid golfers (not opposed though) but would mostly like to join some place with a pool we can take our child and also enjoy a nice meal or cocktails on our own from time to time this summer and beyond.

We have looked at the community pools which fit the bill in a lot of ways for the swimming aspect, but the idea of places that offer additional social activities for families and adults is a nice one.  

Not coming from country club type parents I have no idea what to expect but am a bit wary that these places may be too insular (read as: possibly racist) in their membership.  Am I making too much of this?  

Are there any clubs that are more diverse than others?  Any any specific advice on places to stay away from?  

I do get the irony here.  I'm essentially asking if there are any private clubs that are "inclusive."  Maybe this entire exercise is inherently flawed.

Thoughts?

You've got two options in the near area: MCC in Maplewood and OLTC in SO.  True to their names, the former is a traditional country club, and the latter a traditional tennis club.  Fee structures reflect the difference.  Both have pools with poolside bars (MCC is a full bar 24/7 with a full menu-- OLTC was and I assume still is a bit more limited--maybe a member can confirm).  MCC is expanding the pool offerings again.  Both have separate restaurants; not sure if OLTC's is open the full (or traditional 6-day) week for lunch and dinner, MCC is open the for the 6 for both.  Both offer a variety of social options... can't personally vouch for OLTC, though I know they have many events throughout the season and are expanding with some new ones (hi Hank!); MCC's social scene is weighted toward the pool and golf and takes advantage of the spring/summer, though looking to expand programming further as the membership demographic has skewed MUCH younger the past few years.  Neither of the clubs are "too insular" as you put it, though I get your point on raising the irony... I doubt any perceived lack of diversity, however one cares to define it, is for lack of trying at either place.

Mach--PMing you

There are numerous other county clubs within a short drive on South Orange/Maplewood.  There are several is West Orange (Essex County, Rock Spring, Essex Fells, Montclair) and Livingston (Cedar Hill) and there are more if you look.  They are not nearly as exclusive as you think but there are similarities in membership.  Members are typically looking for same thing you mentioned (place to get together for dinner and activities).  I would caution that the primary reason most (maybe not everyone) join a country club is the golf and that is what you pay for.  Its not hugely expensive but certainly more then the town pool as you have initiation, monthly dues, as well as minimum food purchases typically.

Feel free to reach out as we joined several years ago and have enjoyed it and have no regrets.  The kids love the pool and activities and me and wife are avid golfers playing most weekends.  Plus our oldest (soon to be 6) has gotten into golf over the past year which we are pleased with but just keeping it fun at this point.  But she knows the pros and has participated in their jr programs over the last year making it more fun.

Belong to MCC as my husband plays golf.  Generally speaking, CC people ain't up my alley, but MCC is open to all and not exclusive.  Wait till the pool opens and go visit, particularly on a Friday night. Big drinking and eating that night.

There is a good social scene at Rock Spring.

PABLO!

Rock Spring had a recent history of being "exclusive" but has merged with Montclair Golf Club, which is open to all races and religions.

Have you considered  http://shorthillsclub.org/  ?

Natural beauty. Chlorine-optional swimming. Dress code befitting modern times.

Discerning inclusivity. All the children are above average.

The squash courts alone attest to religious and cultural tolerance, especially at the higher levels of the game.

I would also add that MCC offers a summer membership which is a nice way of trying before buying so to speak.

AFAIK they no longer offer the summer/pool-only membership and haven't for a while (not sure if they've grandfathered existing ones).  They have recently had (and still do) a full one-year introductory membership with reduced fees (and a fully refundable bond should one choose not to continue).

What is "discerning inclusivity" a euphemism for? Just curious. 

Both MCC and OLTC do have summer pool-only memberships because we looked into them this year. However, they are limited and I believe both clubs are 'sold out' of those memberships. But still worth a call if you are interested.

Wow, thanks for all the input everyone!  This has been super helpful.

We did take a tour at the newly-combined Rock Spring/Montclair CC over the weekend.  Both facilities were nice (MCC a bit more updated) and the people seemingly friendly.  RSC is just up the road from us so it would be awfully convenient, especially when wanting to escape to the pool.

The whole thing is sort of weird as a concept, but maybe I feel that way because CC's were never part of my life growing up.  We have a 19-month old son and would like to meet other families with kids to help increase his (and our) social circle.  It may sound odd but given our demanding work schedules this seemed like a good way to go about doing both.

I'm not against country clubs but I will say that both town pools will definitely give you plenty of opportunities to meet other families with kids.  And those families are more likely to be in your neighborhood and eventually school.

eliz said:

I'm not against country clubs but I will say that both town pools will definitely give you plenty of opportunities to meet other families with kids.  And those families are more likely to be in your neighborhood and eventually school.

Agreed.  It's where we started looking and solves part of the challenge.  We're just over the SO border in West Orange and the town pool here is wonderful.  Thumbs up!  But the additional dining/cocktail options and the more organized events at the country clubs would give us adults some additional opportunities to socialize and meet other folks too.

Its about the cocktails I am sure.  

You could also consider joining Lifetime in Florham Park. Pool is zero entry so works well for younger kids!

cupoftea said:

You could also consider joining Lifetime in Florham Park. Pool is zero entry so works well for younger kids!

I would not consider a pool that prevented anyone (zero) from entering.  

Mach13 said:

Wow, thanks for all the input everyone!  This has been super helpful.

We did take a tour at the newly-combined Rock Spring/Montclair CC over the weekend.  Both facilities were nice (MCC a bit more updated) and the people seemingly friendly.  RSC is just up the road from us so it would be awfully convenient, especially when wanting to escape to the pool.

The whole thing is sort of weird as a concept, but maybe I feel that way because CC's were never part of my life growing up.  We have a 19-month old son and would like to meet other families with kids to help increase his (and our) social circle.  It may sound odd but given our demanding work schedules this seemed like a good way to go about doing both.

If you are close to Rock Spring I would also look at Essex County and Essex Fells.  Both within a short drive.  Essex County has one of the best golf courses in the state and much better than Montclair, Rock Spring or Maplewood.  Clubhouse has recently been completely redone and they have a fabulous practice facility.  Essex Fells is probably more family oriented but falls well short on the golf course.  They also have no range. Really depends on what you want in the club.  Better golf or better social.

Is there a put option on An MCC membership if you move or am i stuck with it for life, like luggage?

Hmm.  More like a zero coupon bond  without the discount, but you get to redeem at par at the end of whenever year you want with no penalty.

redeem at par?  You mean when I croak?

alias said:

cupoftea said:

You could also consider joining Lifetime in Florham Park. Pool is zero entry so works well for younger kids!

I would not consider a pool that prevented anyone (zero) from entering.  ">

At least you wouldn't have to worry about it being crowded.

dickf3 said:

Have you considered  http://shorthillsclub.org/  ?

Natural beauty. Chlorine-optional swimming. Dress code befitting modern times.

Discerning inclusivity. All the children are above average.

The squash courts alone attest to religious and cultural tolerance, especially at the higher levels of the game.

This can't be anything but facetious. The Short Hills Club inclusive?

Robert_Casotto said:

redeem at par?  You mean when I croak?

Whenever you want.

It's "discerningly inclusive." Which to me sounds an awful lot like "not inclusive." What a horror it would be to have to swim near people who don't make as much money as you do! 

shoshannah said:

dickf3 said:

Have you considered  http://shorthillsclub.org/  ?

Natural beauty. Chlorine-optional swimming. Dress code befitting modern times.

Discerning inclusivity. All the children are above average.

The squash courts alone attest to religious and cultural tolerance, especially at the higher levels of the game.

This can't be anything but facetious. The Short Hills Club inclusive?

 Everythng is a club.  Some just have higher entrance fees.

Just noticed on the Short Hills Club website a list of example events you can hold there.

These events can include:
Weddings
Engagement Parties
Birthdays
Graduations
Communions
Bridal Showers
Baby Showers
Private Luncheons
Reunions
Charitable Functions
Meetings

Anniversaries
Rehearsal Dinners
Sweet Sixteens
Pool Parties
Baptisms
Brunches or Teas
School Sports Banquets
Dinner Parties
Cocktail Parties
Retirement Parties
Memorial Repasts

Bar/Bat Mitzvah is not listed. Just an observation.

Nor are Quinceaneras!