Splash Marple: Your Staycation Has Arrived

by Holly Stupak

Photos by Annie Whittington Photography www.AnnieWhittington.com

Sitting under a cabana, listening to reggae music and watching your children splash around the pool with friends, you might think you’re on a tropical island vacation. For the past two summers, Splash Surf Club in Marple has been the go-to seasonal staycation for locals. And now going into their third season, they’re adding even more amenities for their members to relax and escape their busy lives.

Owners Nick Reynolds and John McKenzie are excited about the additions they’ve made to the club for the 2021 season. On the lower level, they’ve added a heated pool for adults only and a splash pad for kids. What was an X-box room will now be an arcade, and there will be an additional 20 cabanas that can be rented daily, weekly or for the whole summer.

The Reynolds and The McKenzies, The Splash Club Families

Exciting new changes are also coming to The Wave restaurant, including a new chef. “We’ve hired Corporate and Celebrity Chef Dean Dupuis to design the menu,” said Nick. “The restaurant will be serving some new flair this year, but also the typical vacation type food members have enjoyed the past two summers!” They’re also adding a new BBQ area on the lower level, and introducing some new events including a crab night and a weekly Dining Under the Stars night that will be open to the general public.

As Members relax by the pool, they’ll again enjoy live music from some of the favorite musicians who played at Splash last summer.

We’ll be bringing back some of the house bands that our members enjoyed," said Nick. "Having island-style music while socializing with friends really gives everyone that vacation vibe.

Broomall resident Denise O’Hara, who has been a member since the club opened, has the added bonus of living within walking distance. “I was actually the first person to join back in 2019,” she said. “After seeing firsthand all the hard work they put into getting it ready, I knew it was going to be a great place!” she said. “Now when I see them working hard again for this coming summer, I just can’t wait!” Denise said she rented one of their cabanas for the entire summer so she can enjoy it with her daughter and two grandchildren.

My grandkids love all the events and amenities the pool has to offer, but the best part of going to Splash is that when we walk in, we feel like family!

Children under age 18 can join the Splash Surfers swim team, which is under the direction of Swim Coach Tim McCullough. Swim team members learn about the sport; become strong, competitive swimmers; and have fun swimming against other swim clubs. And again for its third season, Splash has partnered with Speer Swim School, which offers lessons designed by mom and educator Emily Speer.

A large 22,000-square foot pavilion will house The Wave restaurant, with a menu also designed by Chef Dupuis, to remind Members of a tropical vacation. And Members can relax at the beer garden, hang out on the couches in front of flat screen TVs, or play lawn games like bocce ball, corn hole, shuffleboard and ping-pong. There’s also a playground and an area for family movie nights, and there will be plenty of live music to enjoy all summer as well as special themed nights for both children and adults.

Not only have Nick and John spent the off season getting Splash Marple ready for the 2021 season, they’re also getting ready to unveil a second location, Splash New Garden, located in Avondale, PA. Formerly St. Anthony’s in the Hills, they’ve turned what was a retreat and recreational facility into a seasonal staycation in Chester County. Opening on Memorial Day May 31, Splash New Garden will feature a resurfaced outdoor pool with an in-ground hot tub areas for adults; a 30' x 60' children's pool with water features, fountains and sprays; private poolside air-conditioned cabanas; day rooms and private conference areas.

Splash Marple Members can take a ride out to Chester County (less than an hour), to use their membership to experience Splash New Garden and vice versa. With summer only a few weeks away, if you’re dreaming of visiting paradise, you don’t have to go far to get uninterrupted relaxation, unbeatable scenery and delicious cuisine!

Memberships are still available, but don’t wait so you can make sure you can get your Splash on this summer! To learn more about membership and club amenities, visit www.Splash-Club.com.