Colony Pool Club Reopens Saturday In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — The Colony Pool Club is back, kicking off its opening day on Saturday at noon, with some exciting new additions in the tennis program, food concession and scheduling, for the upcoming 2021 pool season.

After a slightly abbreviated 2020 because of COVID-19, the pool club’s return for its 93rd year of operation, marks a membership that has now expanded to more than 500 members and 1,400 registered from the Chathams and some surrounding municipalities, since its inception in 1928.

“While membership is 25% higher than the last full summer season in 2019, there remains plenty of room to grow at the facility,” according to a news release from Colony Pool Committee Chair Mark Lois.

“In 2020, Colony balanced recreation and family time with health, safety and peace of mind,” said Colony Pool Club Manager Lauren Hauser.

“The challenge of COVID meant we had to adapt, change and implement new procedures,” Hauser continued.

“It wasn’t easy, but through the hard work of the staff and the good fortune of no cases traced to the club operations, 2021 is really turning into a year for the club to bloom,” Hauser said.

The opportunity to join is available, but may be limited due to COVID-19, health or capacity limitations, Lois said. Prospective members can sign up through CommunityPass, which includes tennis, swim lessons and guest passes. However, Lois said the club’s food concession will accept payment by cash, for the 2021 season.

Click here to join with the CommunityPass system.

In addition to the 8,300 square-foot beach on the pool club’s five acres at 55 School Avenue in Chatham Township, the Colony Pool Club also boasts an approximate one million gallon, freshwater, treated pool, with a soft sandy floor; and six tennis courts, playgrounds, grills for cookouts, basketball court and a concession area.

Vespucci’s Marketplace is the new eatery at the pool club, where Lois said members can enjoy a meal after morning summer camp ends weekdays at noon. New for 2021 is additionally a schedule change, with swim team and tennis lessons later on in the day during the week, Lois added.

For those who would like a modified swim team experience, the Developmental Swim Team is new for 2021, Lois said, which is a step between swim lessons and the deep water test.

Jeff Brandes, the head tennis coach of Fairleigh Dickinson University, who led the team in the National Tournament, now oversees the club’s new tennis program, Lois said.

“Happy to have Colony back in full swing and excited that our Colony Pool Committee has added a great new swim and tennis program,” Chatham Township Mayor Tracy Ness said.

“2021 is a success so far and I can’t say enough about the quality of the individuals on the Pool Committee and the often overlooked value of clear communication and messaging,” Lois additionally said. “A growing Colony has so much to offer our exceptional community.”

“I want to thank Mayor Ness for appointing me to the committee and for the support given to the committee by our Township staff, including administrator Bob Hoffmann,” Lois said.

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