C+RB‘s 15th Annual Ideas Issue highlights creative new events and approaches, born out of pandemic necessity, that have earned permanent popularity. In this article, we look at how Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Va. quickly adjusted food-and-beverage operations to be compliant with COVID-19 safety measures, introduced a “Pumpkin Splash” for Halloween, and offered “Pool School” to its young members.
To be compliant with COVID-19 safety measures, the golf staff at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Va. quickly adjusted food-and-beverage operations for all tournaments held in 2020.
The golf team set up several food stations on the golf course during the events, allowing members to remain socially distanced while staying well-fed and hydrated.
The golf team worked with Farmington’s Food and Beverage department in selecting a menu of easy-to-eat items to avoid a mess and maintain a nice pace-of-play flow.
Servers, wearing masks and gloves, were on hand to assist members when needed. Members appreciated the extra effort and were still able to enjoy tournament play during a trying time.
Determined to give the families a memorable Halloween event, the Farmington staff warmed up the pool, filled it with pumpkins, and invited members to participate in the club’s very first “Pumpkin Splash.”
Social-distancing measures were in place as families arrived at the pool to assigned tables and then went swimming to select their pumpkin. Carving kits, along with light snacks and beverages, were provided at each table for families to carve jack-o’-lanterns. Halloween movies played on a big screen and the pool area was decorated in a festive theme, complete with an inflatable castle at the pool entrance.
With staff and lifeguards present, two seatings were provided, with the younger children filling the first session. A 30-minute buffer between seatings allowed for sanitization, clean up, and a reset.
The Pool School at Farmington provides children ages 4 to 8 years old with a full facility tour, safety discussion, pool etiquette, club rules, and the opportunity to complete a Lap Pool Swim Test.
With one visit to the pool in the early season, children and parents are provided information on aquatic programs, swim team, lessons, and schedules. Children are given a Star Chart and Passport and are led in small groups from station to station. At the stations, they review the check-in desk, locker rooms, shallow water, deep water, lifeguard stations, entrances and exits, and all aspects necessary to make for a fun and safe pool season. The children mark their progress through the stations by adding stamps and stickers to their passports.
At the end of the final station, children can take a Lap Pool Swim Test. Successful completion of the test earns a Frog bracelet that allows the child to utilize the entire pool without a guardian within arm’s length.
The process for each group requires approximately 45 minutes. This program also allows for registration for swim lessons, swim team, and other FCC programs on the same day. The Pool School has given members and their children a fun, easier, and more informative way to register for the pool season.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.