As we reported earlier, The Country Club at DC Ranch has announced an exciting renovation and expansion. For a sneak peek of what is in store, we have the inside scoop from Melanie Halpert, Director of Membership and Marketing.
AFM: Personally, what are you most excited about with the expansion?
MH: There is so much to be excited about! More luxury, more lifestyle and better health! The Country Club at DC Ranch has set the bar for the highest quality, lifestyle experience in the Valley. Once the expansion is completed, The Country Club at DC Ranch will be a one-stop shop for country club life. Members will be able to work out, golf, take a class, enjoy the resort-style pool, drop the children off at the Kids’ Club, grab a great meal with friends, and play some tennis. It will be like a vacation in your backyard every day.
AFM: There will be more opportunities for fitness and wellness with the expansion. Can you talk about that?
MH: Most definitely. Our new fitness facility will be six times the size of our current one. We will have state-of-the-art equipment along with two fitness rooms where we will offer a variety of classes including yoga, aerobic, dance, golf fitness, and much, more with some of the best trainers the Valley has to offer.
AFM: What should families most look forward to?
MH: The club is known for is casual, friendly atmosphere. The new resort-style pool, casual restaurant, oversize grassy event lawn, and the two kids clubs will be unlike anything else here in the Valley. Families can spend the whole day relaxing at the pool and playing games while ordering healthy, delicious food poolside. At night, parents and grandparents, can drop the children or grandchildren off at the Kids’ Club and enjoy a night out.
AFM: A expanded kitchen is planned in the clubhouse. What opportunities will that provide?
MH: Our Executive Chef Lenny Rubin, who won Best of Our Valley “Best Country Club Chef,” has an incredible, talented team. More space will allow the culinary department to be more efficient and creative. In addition, a larger kitchen will help with event preparation for members hosting parties, fundraisers, and other fabulous celebrations. The Club is well known in the Valley as an exclusive location for weddings and events. Plus, you must save room for dessert! A new pastry shop with be included in the expansion for Pastry Chef Guillermo Magana. Yum!
AFM: How will the club’s event/social calendar be impacted once the renovation is complete?
MH: Social activities play and integral role at the Club. The Club prides itself on the full calendar. There will be so many more opportunities for health and wellness events that our members crave! Parents of course will be so happy for all the new activities that will take place in the Kids’ Clubs.
AFM: In what ways will the new facilities and amenities be unlike anything else offered in the Valley?
MH: I love the fresh approach The Country Club at DC Ranch takes regarding what a Club should be. We have challenged ourselves to look past the conventional patterns of the Club industry to create a lifestyle that fits our young, modern membership. It is about enjoying life to the fullest in a casual, but elegant setting. Members do not want anything too formal. The updates will solidify The Club’s reputation for being a year-round, family friendly, social Club with exceptional hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere.
