Owl Creek Country Club — Pool & Amenities Renovation Case Study
Woodbine Construction transformed Owl Creek Country Club into a premier recreation and leisure destination. The renovation included building a new L-shaped, 25-meter competition pool with diving boards, adding a poolside snack bar, and constructing an elevated observation deck. Combined with the club’s existing tennis and pickleball courts, the upgrades significantly enhanced the member experience — offering improved swimming, social, and community amenities.
The Challenge
Prior to renovation, Owl Creek Country Club lacked an updated aquatic facility that could serve both competitive swimmers and casual members. The existing amenities did not offer the type of pool, spectator space, or social gathering areas that modern club members expect. There was a need for a swim facility that balanced functionality (competition-ready pool) with leisure/social spaces (snack bar, observation deck), all while integrating with the club’s other sports amenities (tennis, pickleball).
Objectives
When Woodbine Construction was selected for the project, the key objectives were:
- Deliver a regulation-size (25 meter) pool suitable for competitive and lap swimming
- Include diving capability via diving boards
- Offer poolside amenities: a snack bar for food/drink service and an observation deck for safety and member enjoyment
- Integrate the new pool area aesthetically and functionally with existing club amenities (tennis/pickleball courts and social areas)
- Provide a welcoming, modern leisure environment for club members and guests
Solution / Approach
Woodbine Construction designed and built an L-shaped, 25-meter competition pool — allowing for both lap swimming and competitive/diving elements. The inclusion of diving boards ensured the pool met standards for diving-based recreation and training.
In addition to the pool itself, Woodbine added a poolside snack bar. This amenity supports social gatherings and provides convenience for members, making the pool area a destination, not just a functional swimming space.
An elevated observation deck was built to allow for safe, comfortable viewing of the pool — a key feature for members’ families or club events.
Finally, by situating the new aquatic facility alongside the club’s existing tennis and pickleball courts, the project created a comprehensive sports & leisure hub — enhancing the overall value proposition for members seeking a variety of activities in one location.
Results & Impact
- Enhanced Member Experience: Members now enjoy a full-size competition pool suitable for lap swimming, diving, and recreation — transforming the club into a destination for both serious swimmers and casual users.
- Improved Social & Leisure Value: The snack bar and observation deck make the pool area more than a workout space — it serves as a social gathering and relaxation area, increasing the club’s appeal to families and social groups.
- Comprehensive Amenities Hub: With the pool upgrades complementing existing tennis and pickleball facilities, Owl Creek now offers a diverse range of activities — appealing to a broader membership base with varied interests.
- Competitive Differentiation: These upgrades position Owl Creek Country Club as a high-end, full-service facility — differentiating it from clubs with minimal or outdated amenities.
Why This Project Matters (from a Business & Community Perspective)
- Member Retention & Attraction: By providing top-tier amenities, Owl Creek strengthens its value proposition — making it attractive for both current members and potential new members seeking comprehensive club experiences.
- Holistic Recreation Offering: The combination of swimming, racket sports (tennis/pickleball), and social spaces supports a broader lifestyle offering — increasing dwell time, member satisfaction, and community engagement.
- Demonstration of Construction Expertise: For Woodbine Construction, this project showcases ability to deliver complex recreational facilities — combining structural, safety, usability, and aesthetic demands into a cohesive outcome.
- Long-term Value Creation: Upgrading club infrastructure in a way that serves multiple uses (competition training, leisure, socializing) ensures long-term return on investment, both for the club and its members.
Key Takeaways & Lessons Learned
- Balance Functionality and Leisure Value: Designing for both competitive swimming and casual use (through features like diving boards, snack bar, observation deck) ensures broader appeal and higher utilization.
- Integrate with Existing Amenities: When renovating or upgrading one facility (pool), consider how it connects to existing amenities to build a cohesive user experience.
- Amenity Upgrades Are Investments in Member Satisfaction: Enhancements that improve comfort, convenience, and social experience often matter as much as — or more than — the core functionality (e.g. lap swimming vs. social gathering).
