Resident Feature
The McKenzie Family The Reynolds Family
The McKenzies and Reynolds The Families of Splash Club Written by Craig Whitney Photographs courtesy of Annie Whittington Photography
W
ith all the buzz about The Splash Club, we decided to talk with the owners, Nick Reynolds and John McKenzie. Both are proud of their deep Marple Newtown roots.
Nick grew up in Newtown Square. He attended St. Anastasia School and then Marple Newtown High School. “I have such great family, friends, and memories in this town! My mom, brothers and sisters and their spouses, and 16 nieces and nephews are all in Marple Newtown. We love it here. We’re part of the culture,” said Reynolds. Nick’s wife Alana recalls when they met. “We were both out with friends one night in Sea Isle. After we got introduced, from that day on, we never left each other’s side.” Alana attended O’Hara High School and grew up in Media and Glen Mills. When deciding where to raise their children, Nick and Alana settled in Marple Township. “Whenever I was with Nick at a party or event in the area, I really loved the family feel. It was an easy decision,” Alana said. Nick and Alana have four kids: Nicky 11, Anthony 8, Milania 5 and Giovanna 3. Nicky and Anthony attend the Marple Newtown schools. Milania and Giovanna attend Saint Anastasia’s.
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Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
John McKenzie grew up in Marple Township. He attended Saint Pius X School and then Malvern Preparatory High School. “I’m still close to all the friends I made while playing Marple Tiger Football, Broomall Little League and swimming at the old Marple Swim Club. My parents still live in the house where I grew up, and my sisters are raising their families here too,” said John. John and his wife Jackie both went to St. Pius X. They were friends and also close with each other’s siblings. Their parents were friends, too. In their early 20s, Jackie was a 3rd grade teacher and worked as part-time secretary for John’s landscaping company. As they grew closer, they realized how much they enjoyed each other’s company. When they’d go out together for lunch, Jackie’s uncle would tease, “These lunches are going to become dinners.” And soon enough, they did. “I love many things about John, especially how much he makes me laugh!” Jackie said fondly. They now live in Marple and have four boys: Jack 9, Coleman 7, Max 4 and Jameson 2. Jack and Cole attend St. Anastasia and Max starts there in the fall. “We always knew this is where we wanted to live and raise our kids. We are lifers in Marple Township,” John said.
