The Naples, Fla., club’s plan will renovate the clubhouse and golf operations building, while adding a new boathouse with informal and al fresco dining, a new activities center, and pickleball and bocce facilities. Construction on the three-year plan is expected to begin in April 2016.
Collier’s Reserve Country Club in Naples, Fla., is implementing a new $13.8 million improvement plan that was overwhelmingly approved by its membership.
The plan calls for a completely renovated clubhouse and golf operations building, a new boathouse with informal and al fresco dining, a new activities center, and pickleball and bocce facilities.
“Collier’s Reserve wants to be ahead of the curve in positioning itself for the next decade and beyond,” said W. James Fischer, president of the board of governors. “That means not only meeting but also exceeding the expectations of a changing member demographic.”
The plans pair premier golf with an active lifestyle in an intimate country club setting that promotes a thriving sense of community. “The goal is to not only maintain Collier’s Reserve’s unique niche and desirability, but enhance it,” said Bob Buhrmaster, board vice president.
The master plan is the result of an extensive strategic review process of the club’s facilities, amenities and programs that included discussions and input from members, staff and consultants.
“We gathered data on trends, and more importantly, information from our new members to help determine what kind of club we wanted to be—and the gaps that we needed to address in member satisfaction and services,” Buhrmaster said.
“We found that while golf is still paramount, offering outstanding golf is not enough,” Fischer said. “Members also want more shorter-duration activities. There is an explosion of interest in informal and al fresco dining. Interest in wellness facilities and programs is also soaring.”
Improvements to the club will include the construction of three new tennis courts, two pickleball courts, two bocce courts, and a new casual entry to the campus with parking for golf carts, automobiles and bicycles. Enhanced dining options will feature outdoor dining in a beautiful gazebo at the west end of the new boathouse.
Improvements to the boathouse will double the capacity to provide additional space for special functions and outdoor dining, and a new kitchen that will function independently of the clubhouse. Approved plans also include a new 19th hole bar at the boathouse where members and guests can gather after a round of golf.
The new activities center, which will combine tennis and fitness amenities in one building, will feature additional fitness classes and equipment, programs for aerobic exercise, yoga/Zumba classes, golf conditioning, and men’s and women’s locker rooms.
Renovations to the golf operations building will convert the existing fitness center to a multi-purpose activity room, expand the women’s locker room lounge area, and refurbish the member’s locker rooms, including enhanced interior finishes.
Clubhouse enhancements will include upgraded interior finishes, new carpet, furniture, paint and wall coverings; installation of new windows and doors that meet present-day standards for hurricane winds; external repainting; and air-conditioning upgrades.
The plan also includes funds for the future maintenance of the golf course, including replacement of greens, tees and bunkers, and replacement of cart paths. The Arthur Hills-designed golf course was designated the first Audubon-sanctioned golf course in the country by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. The plan will ensure that the golf course remains the club’s foremost asset.
Construction on the three-year renovations plan is expected to begin in April 2016.
“The club is in a strong financial position,” said Buhrmaster. “The overall improvements will not only enhance the member experience but also allow us to remain fresh, competitive and financially prudent.”
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