Highridge – a swim and tennis club with family atmosphere

Whenever I heard the words “Swim and Tennis Club,” I conjured visions of men in fluffy robes smoking cigars and glamorous women in pointy sunglasses with excessive suntan lotion, circa 1950. So, two summers ago when friends suggested my family join the Highridge Swim and Tennis Club, I was apprehensive. It sounded like a great idea, but did we have the money or the persona to fit the stereotype in my mind?

Soon after my family joined Highridge, all my preconceived notions vanished completely. First of all, the club has an overwhelming family feel. No, the members are not all related and the families are different styles, colors, shapes and sizes – not fluffy robed men and glamour gals, thank goodness!

From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with smiles.Adults have an eye on everyone’s children playing and swimming nearby. By the end of that first summer, you have new friends with whom you stay in contact throughout the winter. It is truly an intimate atmosphere – caring members and staff that comprise the Highridge family.

If I wasn’t immediately won over by the friendliness of the place (which I was), the amenities that Highridge offers were surely going to draw me in (which they did!). The pool itself is a great size with comfortable chairs all along the perimeter. Lifeguards are there at all times. There are swimming lessons with qualified staff and a swim team that children can join; they compete in an All-Pool Swim Meet which is an incredible experience!

There is also a huge field with a basketball court, volleyball court, jungle gym, swings, toddler playground, toddler wading pool, shuffleboard and a new horseshoe pit. The staff supervises organized games in the field and the pool throughout the day. And then there is the tennis! Tennis lessons and clinics are included in the membership fee and tennis is run by knowledgeable tennis pros.

I am sure most swim and tennis clubs offer many of these same amenities. What makes Highridge different?  Along with the family friendliness comes an informal atmosphere. Want to buy lunch or dinner?  The snack bar has lots of choices. Want to pack a lunch or dinner?  Bring your cooler and eat at any of the canopied tables or picnic tables. Want to grill for dinner?  Bring your food and let the staff know when you are ready for them to light a grill. Want to bring friends? Invite guests for a small fee at the front door. Want to have a party?  Rent the tent area or picnic area and partygoers can cook, swim and play all day long.

There are many fun events planned throughout the summer.  Bingo nights, movie nights, Highridge sleepovers, dinners, tennis socials, Fourth of July cookout and the annual Highridge Olympic games are just some examples. Families bond as they laugh and relax while watching the children having a grand ol’ time!

So banish the thoughts of fluffy robes and pointy sunglasses, and come join the family!

For more information: Call 334-2610 or visit info@highridgeswimandtennis.com.

Note: Wendy Riordan is a member of the board of Highridge Swim and Tennis Club.