August 6, 2016

To the BCC Board Members and Facilities Committee:

The swim families of BCC are excited about the changes that are occurring at the club. As the most frequent users of the pool area, we would like to present a case for a few revisions/additions that would allow families to make the best use of space while visiting the BCC pool.

The original plan called for a splash pad; however, several families were in agreement that a splash pad would not be the best use of funds. Many of the families have children in the 5-12 year age range, and they would like to see an area for these children to play games or throw a ball.

Many of the swim families have been debating the best way to present our views to the Board and the Facilities Committee – we initially posted a petition in the pool office for signature in early August. However, we thought it best to send our case directly to all of you.

We realize there is ongoing discussion about what the deck expansion project will look like and what the township has already approved and will need to approve going forward. If the South side of the pool can be modified, we would like to see the arborvitae removed and the fence pushed back several feet to open up the space. If the South side is not up for modification, and arborvitae will be removed from the East side only, we feel this space could still accommodate some or all of the below requests. (Note that several families have expressed interest in purchasing these mature trees for transplant thus becoming a potential fundraiser for A Finals). With this expansion we would like to request the following (listed in order of preference):

• Green space to allow children to play on something other than concrete. Ideally this space would be comprised of 3”synthetic grass (not turf) that is often used along pool decks in private residences. It closely resembles real grass but avoids the mess associated with grass as well as the cost to maintain it.

• Tented cabanas that could house game tables such as ping pong, foozball, air hockey, etc., along the pool deck. The cabanas would offer shelter and shade as well as keeping the look more streamlined. We understand we do not want to “junk up” the pool deck, and we feel the cabanas will dress up the pool deck accordingly. Perhaps we could fit a few chairs and tables in these cabanas to allow gathering space for kids waiting to play.

• Painted courts on the pool deck. The children currently organize daily Four Square games in the area by the lifeguard stand. Painted courts on the deck space for games such as this would be a huge hit with the children and parents alike.

• A small, high quality play structure (not one of the PlaySkool variety) would benefit the younger children.

• A sport court of some type would be ideal, but we realize this might be a big ask. However, a basketball hoop in one corner of the pool deck would be a welcome addition. We could even tie in the aforementioned Four Square court with this sport court if space allows.

Again, we realize that some of these are merely “wish list” items, and that not all will be accomplished given the limited space. However, we hope that this list will encourage discussion amongst the Board and Facilities Committee about what might be possible to make the BCC pool deck a valuable space for all families. Our hope and assumption is that the funds originally set aside for the splash pad will be used for the improvement and enhancement of the pool area, not for other areas of the club

We thank you for considering our requests and we hope to continue the dialogue as the BCC Improvement Project continues.

Sincerely,

The Interested Swim Families of Birmingham Country Club

** If you wish to show your support of the above letter, please sign below. In addition, you are welcome and encouraged to leave any comments. Due to the time sensitivity of these issues, we are wanting to collect all signatures by Wednesday, August 17th