2006 Aquatics International: Winter Park Racquet Club / Winter Park, Florida
- Project: Winter Park Racquet Club
- Distributor: Weller Pools LLC
- Award Date: November 11, 2006
- Presented By: Aquatics International
Best Country Club/Swim Club
Winter Park Racquet Club, Winter Park, Fla.
It’s almost like swimming in the lake, except it’s in a pool. And at the Winter Park Racquet Club in Winter Park, Fla., swimmers can actually opt for either water environment. The view from the competition pool isn’t so bad either. In fact, it’s the view that everyone raves about, especially the brilliant sunsets that can be enjoyed from the tranquil spa or wading pool. Still others savor the scene from chairs on the stone-paved deck, where they also can supervise their children playing in the pool. Families can gather to enjoy after-dark bonfires — complete with S’mores — at the fire pit, or ooh and ahh at fireworks over the water on the Fourth of July. Because of this dual watering hole, the club’s staff is required to maintain current lifeguarding and waterfront lifeguarding certificates. Young members can participate in the competitive swim program, which enables them to vie with other kids from local club swim teams in the Central Florida Country Club Swim League. Meanwhile, an aerobic workout is in the works for senior citizens. Thanks to the waterfront, members can move from one aquatic activity to another, with kayaking, boating and even sailing available.
FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS To ensure a fully qualified staff, newly hired lifeguards who lack waterfront training receive it on the job. • The club provides unique events in addition to its traditional entertainment, such as themed movie nights where the staff dresses up as characters in the movie. • The facility takes advantage of its prime lakefront location, allowing children who benefit from swim lessons in the pool to advance to waterfront activities such as kayaking and boating.
AMENITIES Spa • Wading pool • Open water
PROGRAMMING Learn-to-swim • Lifesaving • Competitive swimming • Kayaking • Boating • Sailing
