Splashing Around This Summer!

Our Community feature by Holly Stupak

When we stopped by at Splash Surf Club in Broomall, we noticed right away that they’ve already started making big waves this season! They opened in June, and they’re committed to again making Splash the best “staycation” in Delaware County and, this summer, also the healthiest.

After Splash Club’s very successful first season last summer, owners John McKenzie and Nick Reynolds spent the off season working on many ways to make Splash even better! Their Summer 2020 opening was delayed two weeks as they planned and implemented COVID-19 guidelines. But since they opened on June 5th , all systems are a GO! and everyone is glad to again be enjoying fun in the sun and in the pool!

Our goal this summer is to provide our members with some sense of normalcy,” said John McKenzie. “It’s time to come out and enjoy a little sunshine!

So, what all is new this summer at Splash? Some trees were removed, to create space for over 50 new parking spots. There’s more outdoor dining space to enjoy the Wave’s great food — and outdoor dining in general is something that we’ve all greatly missed for the past few months!

I’m looking forward to members enjoying all our different amenities,” said Nick Reynolds, “including some added cabanas, pergolas, firepits and new synthetic turf areas for members to gather.

Splash Club

Photo by Annie Whittington Photography

There’s also 2,500 more square feet of concrete, to spread out chairs. “Our plan for more space this summer was originally to accommodate new memberships,” said McKenzie, “but instead we will use the new areas for social distancing and to accommodate our members who may want additional space.” To fully meet CDC guidelines, the Splash Club got creative with use of their space: Until PA enters the “green phase” of reopening, the wiffleball field and the basketball courts will instead be available to provide more seating space for their members.

Splash Club workers position a new Poseidon statue to a high perch overlooking summer bathers

Photo courtesy of Splash Surf Club

To ensure everyone’s safety, members and guests will have their temperature taken when entering. Anyone with an above-normal temperature will not be allowed into the club. Floor markers are set six feet apart at the entrance, the restaurant, the slide and the diving board. Splash Club is counting on parents and guardians to ensure their children follow all the guidelines. Although masks are recommended, they’re not required while moving around the club and they are not recommended for use in the pool. For complete details, visit www.Splash-Club.com. Splash will continue to monitor the situation and provide its members with a safe environment to enjoy their summer!

Another Marple Friends & Neighbors Sponsor, Emily Speer, says her Speer Swim School is also making waves this summer, in backyard pools and at Splash Club.

What I’m looking forward to," Emily Speer said, "is spending the summer with lots of pool time with our swim students and with my own children!

Emily Speer, Owner of Speer Swim School, giving a swim lesson

Photo courtesy of Emily Speer

Emily has some swim safety tips for our Readers:

• Always have a “water watcher.” Take 10-minute shifts with other parents in your group who will watch the kids distraction free — no phones, no socializing, no drinking alcoholic beverages.

• Create verbal cues for kids to get in the water, and use such cues every time. For example: “It’s time to swim!”

• Invest in swim lessons to start introducing water safety and to build confidence.

• Make sure all children and adults know the pool rules.

Thank you to our Sponsors, Splash Surf Club and Speer Swim School, for doing what it takes to help create a safe, healthy, fun and exciting summer!

Splash Club

Photo by Annie Whittington Photography