Construction workers and utility vans will soon give way to splashing youngsters in swim trunks at the new TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Swimming Pool.
Workers are putting the finishing touches on the new junior Olympic-sized pool, taking shape off the private club’s ninth tee. The pool is slated to open on the July 4 holiday weekend.
“Every time I come, it’s a different look,” said TPC General Manager Ryan Whitney, toured the construction site where workers were preparing to plaster the pool walls.
The club’s newest facility will include six generous swimming lanes, a children’s water recreation area with an aquatic ‘mushroom’ waterfall, an outdoor seating area with chaise lounges and tables, changing rooms and a cafe that can serve both swimmers and golfers on carts. Landscaping will partially screen the pool scene from golfers. The main pool is seven feet at its deepest, four feet at its shallowest point. Adult swims and lessons are planned for mornings. Open swims with lifeguards will happen in the afternoons during the open season.
The new TPC swimming pool is not a public facility. Rather, Whitney characterizes it as a new amenity for TPC members and their guests.
Entry to the pool comes in two ways. Members of the club have free entry to the pool. Guest of members are also welcome, for a fee of $8. Family members of a TPC member pay a $6 fee. The club plans on limiting guest visits at first to four visits per year, but may change that policy later, based on use levels.
“We’d start low, and have room to grow,” Whitney said. “We want to make sure that (room) is there for members.”
Children younger than 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
The TPC offers two levels of membership that include pool access. A new Sport membership has been created with the pool facility in mind. For $110 per month dues and a nonrefundable $4,000 initiation fee, the Sport member receives clubhouse, fitness center and pool privileges.
The premier golf membership, which has a $39,000, partially refundable initiation fee and $502 monthly dues, also includes pool use.
Construction of a pool has been a priority since operator Brightstar, Inc., took over the course from previous owner Quadrant in 2008.
Membership meetings held at the time showed huge interest in a swimming pool, Whitney said
The pool came about because golf members are looking for more from courses and clubs than just golf.
“People’s time is something they don’t have that much of, so it’s hard to split away those few luxury hours to just go out by yourself,” he said. Successful golf clubs are finding ways to bring the whole family together.
It’s much easier for members to write the club dues check when their whole family, instead of just one person, can take part, Whitney said.
“We’ve worked hard to create a family atmosphere,” he said — not only with the pool, but through activities such as children’s camps.
“The club is a part of the community,” Whitney added. Ninety percent of social members and more than half of general members are Snoqualmie Valley residents
The pool will be open through the end of the summer, and has capacity for as many as 200 guests.
TPC golfers called the pool a welcome feature for members with children.
“I think it’ll be good for the club,” said member and Snoqualmie resident Wayne Morishige.
Brightstar has been making welcome changes to the facility in the last two years, he added.
New amenities
Another addition coming to TPC Snoqualmie Ridge this summer is the covered driving range being built near the clubhouse.
The 19-foot-tall, 70-foot-long range includes six heated stalls for play during bad weather. Prevailing winds help loft balls from the range in winter.
While construction of the pool takes priority, both new features will be open by the time the Boeing Classic tournament arrives for its sixth season Aug. 23 to 29.
