The Next Five: A Forward-Looking Guide

The Merion Cricket Club

The Next Five: A Forward-Looking Guide

2025-2029

A Message from the President The Merion Cricket Club enjoys a rich history and stands as one of North America's premier private clubs. The Club’s management and Board are committed to addressing the needs and interests of our membership. We have flourished by making thoughtful investments guided by membership input and careful analysis of industry trends as evidenced by prior long-range projects including the 2008 Clubhouse Renovation and the more recent Campus Master Plan. The Club’s strategic improvements have benefited us all, and now I would like to share the vision for Merion’s next five years as we continue to invest to build an even stronger future for our Club.

In 2023, the comprehensive membership survey identified providing permanent padel courts and expanding casual dining as important capital projects.

Along with these priorities, establishing a wellness center is an important component of enhancing our overall fitness experience.

Enhancing Outdoor Racquets In 2024, the Long-Range Planning Committee continued to develop and refine the “Enhancing Outdoor Racquets Facilities” proposal. This plan includes a permanent home for padel, upgrades to Teniko courts 1-6, and a new irrigation system for the Great Lawn. We surveyed the membership about this proposal, and the results showed strong overall support. The survey also provided valuable suggestions and input from the membership.

Based on this feedback, we revised and improved the plan. The final plan was approved by the Board of Government in December 2024. Construction is slated to begin in October of 2025 and to be completed in spring 2026.

The Houses on Elbow Lane Our second overnight accommodation house at 226 Elbow Lane - the Newbury House - was completed in 2024. Both overnight accommodation properties are well utilized and are receiving rave reviews from guests. Design work continues for our new Wellness Center at 218 Elbow Lane. The new facility will include: a ‘Warm’ Yoga Studio, a Pilates Studio, Massage Therapy, and Physical Therapy. This will expand our fitness facility by approximately 2,000 square feet of usable space.

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation In response to the 2023 membership survey, casual dining and kitchen enhancements emerged as a top priority of the Club in the next 3-5 years. The infrastructure and equipment in all three of our kitchens is nearing the end of its useful life, nearly two decades since the previous renovation. The Board of Government and Long-Range Planning Committee have initiated the planning process for a comprehensive renovation. The goal is to position the Club's kitchen facilities and programs for the next 10+ years, while also upgrading the Club’s casual dining spaces and our popular bar area. This project will require a substantial capital investment, and the team has been working diligently to manage total cost without compromising the Merion standard for high-quality member experiences. Details of the Casual Dining and Kitchen Renovation Project are included in this booklet. Members will have an opportunity to learn more and share feedback in the coming months. The final project plan will be presented to the membership for a vote in the first quarter of 2026.

Please review this booklet to learn more about the scope of the proposed dining project. There will be further opportunities for member education and input including kitchen tours and town hall meetings during the remainder of 2025. We very much look forward to your engagement and your feedback.

Sincerely, Carter D. Williams President

Planning Teams/Organizations

Mission The Merion Cricket Club is a forward-looking, family-oriented club established in 1865 to provide its members with excellent facilities and programs. The Club encourages all levels of participation in sports and other activities, while at the same time enabling its members to socialize in an attractive environment with exceptional food and beverage service. Merion conducts itself with honor and integrity in all its endeavors and is proud of its history and tradition.

Vision …To be a pre-eminent family-focused club meeting the multigenerational desires of our membership, including excellent dining, socializing, health and wellness opportunities and an array of athletic activities for all ages and skill levels; highlighted by our nationally recognized tennis and squash programs.

Board of Government Carter Williams, President Chris Bond Lin Buck Thomas Carr Doug DiSesa James Evans KC Giese Dawn Harrell- Crowder Stephen Kelly Colin McGeehin

Andrea McGuinness Whitney Moore Lauren Pearson Lauren Royer Sarah Schoettle Jennifer Seward Pop Shenian Bonnie Stokes Ann Thorkelson Elizabeth Zelov

Long-Range Planning Committee Stephen Kelly, Chair Lin Buck Thomas Carr Beverly Carroll Doug DiSesa Alison Farrell James Greenfield

Tracy Greer Dawn Harrell-Crowder Jennifer Kinkead Lauren Royer Lisa Stokes Carter Williams

Long-Range Plan: 5-Year Lens (2025 – 2029) 1

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Wellness Center

Outdoor Racquets: Teniko Courts 1-6 and Padel

Great Lawn Irrigation

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation

Approved Capital Projects 2025-2026

Recommended Capital Project 2027 - 2029

Wellness Center

Wellness Center at Elbow Lane Overview

Heated Yoga Studio

Pilates Studio

Massage Therapy

Physical Therapy

The Wellness Center is currently under construction and taking shape! Designed to meet the growing demand for expanded fitness and wellness offerings, this serene, spa-inspired space will provide dedicated areas for fitness and a variety of wellness activities.

Outdoor Racquets and Great Lawn Irrigation

View of new Arborvitae hedge from the Porch

View of new Arborvitae hedge from the Great Lawn

Outdoor Racquets and Great Lawn Irrigation Plan

Outdoor Racquets and Great Lawn Irrigation Overview In 2024, the Long-Range Planning Committee continued to develop and refine the “Enhancing Outdoor Racquets Facilities” proposal in response to the 2023 Membership Survey. In the 2024 membership survey, strong overall support was expressed. Based on valuable suggestions and input from the membership, we revised and improved the plan. The final plan was approved by the Board of Government in December 2024. Construction is slated to begin in October of 2025 and to be completed in Spring 2026.

New Teniko Tennis Courts 6 new lighted hydro courts to replace aging surface watered courts New lighting, fencing and improved pathways & viewing spaces

Permanent Padel Courts 4 permanent MejorSet panoramic padel courts World-class playing surface with LED lighting

Great Lawn Irrigation & Landscaping New modern irrigation system Improved drainage at Great Lawn edges New arborvitae hedge screening entire edge of Great Lawn (including paddle)

Socializing, Viewing & Shade Extended Paddle Pavilion deck overlooking paddle and padel courts Firepits with expansive seating Courtside Café deck offering improved tennis viewing opportunities New pavilion in the Events Garden centered on adjacent tennis court Pergola shade structures incorporated into design

Outdoor Racquets Expansion Key Information Construction Timeline: October 13, 2025 – April 2026 Most significant construction to occur fourth quarter 2025 1

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Teniko Courts Teniko Courts 1-9 impacted throughout the project Temporary construction screening to protect jobsite safety and viewsheds

Paddle Season 2025 - 2026 The Paddle Pavilion and paddle courts will remain available throughout the season Access paths may change as construction dictates

Temporary Padel Our intention is to relocate both temporary padel courts to Teniko Courts #10 and #11

Project Cost The Board approved a ‘Not-to-Exceed’ $4,000,000 project budget, to be funded through cash reserves.

Outdoor Racquets and Great Lawn Irrigation Highlights

New Teniko Tennis Courts 6 new lighted hydro courts to replace aging surface watered courts Improved lighting, fencing, shade & access

Socializing, Viewing & Shade Extended Paddle Pavilion deck overlooking paddle & padel courts Firepits with expansive seating

Permanent Padel Courts 4 permanent MejorSet panoramic padel courts World-class playing surface with LED lighting Great Lawn Irrigation & Landscaping New modern irrigation system Improved drainage at Great Lawn edges New arborvitae hedge screening entire edge of Great Lawn (including paddle)

Courtside Café deck offering improved viewing opportunities New pavilion in Events Garden centered on adjacent tennis court Pergola shade structures incorporated into design

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Project

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation

The Project Design Team for the Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Project includes:

Long Range Planning Committee and Board of Government Rogers McCagg Architects W.S. Cumby – Pre-construction Services Dining Steering Committee MCC Management Team

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation A Message from Chef Danny "Upgrading our kitchen and replacing our end of life equipment isn’t just about efficiency - it’s about elevating every plate that leaves this line. With a better workspace and the right tools, we can deliver a faster, fresher, and more consistent dining experience that truly reflects the standard our members deserve."

— Chef Danny Profita

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Benefits REBUILD THREE EXISTING KITCHENS

IMPROVED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES

ENHANCED SERVICE EXPERIENCE

MORE CONSISTENT FOOD QUALITY

REVITALIZE CASUAL DINING & BAR EXPANDED CENTRALIZED BAR

STYLISH AND RELAXED ATMOSPHERE

MULTI-SEASON DINING SPACE WITH COURT VIEWING

INCREASED CASUAL DINING CAPACITY

More than dining — it’s tradition, togetherness, and timeless moments.

Current State of Our Kitchens The Need 2023 Membership Survey identified expanding casual dining as a priority Kitchen assets and infrastructure from 2007 are end of life Operational challenges in the current kitchen negatively impact the member experience

Why Now? The Current State of Our Kitchens The Club operates three kitchens each on separate levels of the Clubhouse: the Main Kitchen (2nd floor), the Banquet Kitchen ( 3rd floor), and the Production Kitchen ( 1st floor).

Main Kitchen: Open 363 days per year, the Main Kitchen serves as the foundation of our restaurant operations, providing 130,000 à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals annually.

Banquet Kitchen: Primarily dedicated to large-scale private events, this kitchen is responsible for production and plating. It also includes a small pastry area for dessert preparation.

Production Kitchen: Focused on bulk food production, this kitchen supplies all other kitchens and caters to outdoor events.

Additionally, it prepares and serves lunch and dinner daily for 75-100 employees.

All three kitchens have infrastructure that is end-of-life requiring updating and replacement. The Main and Production Kitchens have not been updated in nearly 20 years, while the Banquet Kitchen has gone untouched for almost 25 years. Much of the existing equipment, installed in 2006, now demands increasingly costly annual maintenance.

Beyond the wear and tear, outdated layouts hinder efficiency and contribute to service delays, directly impacting the member experience. By modernizing these essential spaces, we have a powerful opportunity to streamline operations, elevate service standards, and sustain excellence in our food and beverage program for decades to come.

THREE FLOORS | THREE KITCHENS

Ballroom Level

BANQUET KITCHEN

Main Level

MAIN KITCHEN servicing all three clubhouse restaurants

Lower Level

PRODUCTION KITCHEN & RECEIVING AREAS

Kitchen Renovation Benefits CONSISTENT FOOD QUALITY

Redesigning our Main Kitchen will enhance food production and help attract higher quality culinary team members, resulting in even better meals for you to enjoy.

IMPROVED SERVICE EXPERIENCE

Streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency, allows our team to deliver faster, more consistent service that elevates your dining experience.

GREATER OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES

Consolidating the production functions into the Main Kitchen improves the efficiency of our staff, allowing us to serve you faster and more effectively.

ENHANCED RECEIVING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

We are enhancing our storage and receiving areas, as well as adding more trash and recycling options. The new receiving areas will keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

With these upgrades, the limitations of our current kitchens will be addressed, ensuring they are equipped to handle the demands of the future.

Current State of Our Casual Dining The Need 2023 Membership Survey identified expanded casual dining as a priority Furniture, fixtures and equipment are nearing the end of their useful life Operational challenges in the current service areas negatively impact the member experience Casual dining revenue and meals served at Courtside Café, Bistro Twenty20, and the Cricket Bar have steadily increased year over year, while our formal dining venues have experienced a consistent decline.

Why Now? The Current State of Our Casual Dining Member demand for casual dining has outpaced capacity - a trend we confidently expect to continue.

The Cricket Room booths are underutilized due to limited visual appeal and comfort, resulting in inefficient use of space. A revised layout with banquette seating, consistent with the current Cricket Bar design, would improve spatial efficiency and visual cohesion.

There is strong and sustained interest in expanding the bar area as a vibrant social hub for members.

Member preferences and dining habits have evolved, with a growing emphasis on casual, high-quality dining experiences in inviting environments.

Casual Dining Renovation Benefits RAISING THE BAR FOR OUR BAR

The seating capacity of the Cricket Bar more than doubles, with a spacious design and prime location within the Cricket Room, positioning it as the ideal gathering place for members.

UPGRADED CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE

The significant improvements to the Cricket Bar, Cricket Porch, Courtside Café deck and Courtside Café, respond to the growing demand for casual dining options.

EXTENDED OUTDOOR SEATING

Multi-season dining on the Courtside Café deck: The new Courtside Café deck roof and new window system will allow us to offer seating throughout spring, summer, and fall, so you can enjoy the outdoors throughout the milder seasons.

CLASSIC DESIGN & REFINED STYLE

The inspiration for the interior design pays homage to tennis club tradition with thoughtful details featuring beautiful lattice work and shaker shingles. Expect a more inviting and enjoyable atmosphere to unwind with friends or family.

Cricket Bar Rendering

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation - Dining Scope CRICKET BAR KITCHEN THE PORCH

CRICKET ROOM

COURTSIDE CAFÉ

CRICKET ROOM & BAR

Cricket Bar doubles in capacity Founders’ Room is integrated into the bar area while still serving as a space for small private events Increased capacity in total lounge area seating

COURTSIDE CAFÉ

Redesigned counter area for improved service Extended deck with fixed roof & retractable windows

KITCHENS

Completely redesign Main Kitchen, Banquet Kitchen, Production Kitchen

THE PORCH

Enhanced cocktail seating on the Terrace Radiant ceiling heaters to extend dining season Discrete waitstaff service areas

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation THE CRICKET BAR

Doubles capacity of bar seating and significantly increases casual seating capacity Becomes a focal point for socializing Founders’ Room incorporated into bar/casual seating Additional high-top seating Discrete service areas create improved dining atmosphere

CRICKET BAR

Cricket Bar Rendering

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation CRICKET ROOM

CRICKET ROOM

Banquette seating similar to the Cricket Bar replaces existing booth seating Designed for flexible seating arrangements with ability to accommodate larger tables

Improved connection to Courtside Café Designed to enable Courtside Café to expand into this space as needed Discrete service areas

Cricket Room Rendering

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation COURTSIDE CAFÉ Service counter improvements Additional grab-n-go capacity Improved food ordering, delivery & dining room maintenance Extended deck with fixed roof and retractable windows becomes a 3-season venue Enhanced viewing of Teniko Courts 1-6 Upgraded interiors designed to elevate the quality of casual dining

COURTSIDE CAFÉ

Funding the Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Project Capital Dues Model and Smoothing the Annual Cost of Membership The Club has transitioned to a Capital Dues Model.

A Capital Dues Model is a structured, ongoing method of funding a club’s capital needs by incorporating capital contributions from members into the annual cost of membership in lieu of special assessments. The goal is to maintain a stable annual cost of membership.

These funds will be used for capital projects, such as facility improvements, renovations, or major equipment replacements.

A Capital Dues Model ensures a strong financial base for the Club’s long term capital needs.

With steady capital dues, we reduce reliance on growing the membership as a mechanism to fund future capital needs.

At the end of 2026, the Campus Master Plan Special Assessment will be replaced by Capital Dues to fund the Club’s capital budget. The initial amount will approximate the current Special Assessment and future amounts will be adjusted based on capital needs. If approved by the membership, the Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Project - and future capital projects - will be funded through capital dues, without the need for special assessments.

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Cost & Funding Plan The total cost of the Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Project is estimated at $18,500,000.

Any project of this magnitude will require membership approval.

By switching to a Capital Dues Model, we are able to manage our future capital projects without the need for special assessments. Our goal is to maintain a stable annual cost of membership. The capital dues would fully fund the $18,500,000 Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Project.

The Board has been diligently working on this project to properly define scope and develop confidence in preliminary costs so as to optimize operations and the membership experience while being fiscally prudent. The Board takes this responsibility seriously and over the past two years has already explored and rejected various designs.

What’s Next?

What you can expect over the coming year as we continue to develop this project: Regular Updates from Club President, Long-Range Planning Committee and General Manager Weekly Behind the Scenes Tours to see first-hand the challenges of our current kitchens and ‘back-of-house’ operations while learning about the value of a renovated kitchen Townhall Meetings in the fourth quarter of 2025 to receive additional details and ask questions Present final design plans, project budgets, and construction schedule Circulate Final Project Booklet to the Membership

Membership Vote Upon completion of socializing the plan with the membership and circulating the final project booklet, there will be an official Membership Vote targeted for first quarter 2026 Assuming favorable results, project construction would tentatively begin first quarter 2027

Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation Project Where are we in the process?

Since 2023, the Long-Range Planning Committee has explored a variety of options The Board of Government has already eliminated some high-cost options and prioritized a recommended path We are in the process of communicating the details of the Casual Dining & Kitchen Renovation project while gathering member feedback

Develop Dining Concepts

Evaluate Design Options

2023

2024

Annual Distribute Meeting Project Flipbook *we are here* Update

2025

Q2 2025

Tours & Project Details

Member Townhall Meetings

MEMBER VOTE

Q3 2025

Q4 2025

Q1 2026

Have More Questions?

Take a Tour

Attend a Town Hall

Feedback or Questions?

Details on tours and Town Hall sessions will be shared via email—stay tuned.

Email: LRP@merioncricket.com