Another hot summer is underway, and what better way to beat the heat than to head to one of our local swim clubs? The Marple Newtown area is home to several pools and Marple residents have been flocking to these swim clubs to take a refreshing dip in the water or simply curl up poolside with a good book. We asked some of our friends and neighbors what they love about their swim clubs.
St. Albans Swim and Tennis Club
Do thoughts of summer have you dreaming of a quiet oasis and a healthy distraction from the real world or a place where you can step away from your screen and have some fun in the sun? Would you like to be somewhere that feels like a vacation without the hassle of packing your bags?
Well, look no further. Newtown Square’s own St. Albans Swim & Tennis Club has been just that for generations of local families. Since 1959, the club has been the perfect staycation destination where kids can be kids and adults can relax and unwind. Tucked away on 17 beautifully landscaped acres, members enjoy three comfortably heated swimming pools, a state-of-the-art playground, newly upgraded tennis courts, a spacious clubhouse, renovated locker rooms and a poolside grille by Dotty’s Gourmet Kitchen with healthy offerings and traditional favorites to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Club President Josh Kohn takes a lot of pride in the improvements and growth in membership. He said, “I love seeing the results of all the hard work that our board, volunteers and staff have done. Our vision is to be an upscale yet affordable family swim and tennis club where our members and kids can escape for a few hours.” Josh is happy that his own family can experience all the programs and amenities the club has to offer. He and his wife both play on tennis teams, and
their two boys enjoy competing on the swim and dive teams.
St. Albans Swim & Tennis Club has something for everyone. In addition to their competitive swim and tennis teams, they are proud to have two full-time tennis pros who run over 20 hours of clinics every week. If keeping cool is what you want, members can do so in one of the three beautiful pools — the large pool for families, lap swimming and diving, the middle pool for kids to play in, and the zero-entry kiddie pool featuring a fountain and splash pad. Swim lessons are also available, as is a Little Smashers activity day camp for children ages 4 –12.
But, above all, St. Albans Swim & Tennis Club is built upon lasting memories and solid friendships. Andrew Howley’s family has been enjoying St. Albans for over 30 years. “My four grown children have wonderful memories of summers spent at the pool and snack bar with their friends, and now I get to relive it all with my grandson,” Andrew said. “This place still has the same comfortable family, neighborhood feel,” he added.
So, no need to pack your bags, book a flight or rent a car to make memories. Spend your summer with your family and friends at Newtown Square’s very own poolside paradise! St. Albans Swim & Tennis Club is located at 160 Brookside Rd, Newtown Square. Information about becoming a member can be found at StAlbansSwim.com or by calling 610-356-5586.
Rose Tree Woods Swim Club
Dana McGee is not only the current President of Rose Tree Woods Swim Club (RTW), she is a longtime member. “Rose Tree Woods means a lot to me
since I’ve spent so many summers there as a kid,” she said. “Volunteering there has also given me the chance to give back to a place that was such a big part of my life growing up.”
As the President of RTW, Dana said she loves being part of the decision-making process that impacts so many families in our community. And as a former lifeguard at RTW, Dana wanted to make sure that the members are being watched over by capable kids and managed by some really responsible and hardworking people who care about the pool as much as she does.
Prior to this season, RTW renovated their snack bar area, installed hand dryers in the bathrooms and rerouted how they backwash the pool water. “Our board is committed to making the swim club environmentally safe,” Dana explained. Dana also said that the club wouldn’t be what it is without all the work that the board of directors does. “The board is 100% volunteer,” she added. “They are so dedicated and work so hard to have such a nice club.”
Established in 1956, RTW has three pools: a pool for swimming laps, a large “T” pool with a huge water slide (a member favorite!) and dual diving wells. There is also a children’s splash pool with a large mushroom waterfall perfect for the little ones. RTW also offers a competitive swim and dive team, which is part of the Suburban Swim League. The RTW team introduces swimmers and divers to competition while creating an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment.
If you want to take a break from swimming, RTW has many other activities including a 9-hole miniature golf course, a basketball court, Gaga Ball, shuffleboard, a playground and Ping Pong. Guests can also enjoy delicious food from vendor Bright Spot Cafe which has a full service grill and snack bar, and both shaded and sunny eating areas. The club will also be offering special events throughout the season including youth socials, Phillies days, arts and crafts, an adult social and Membership Appreciation Day.
RTW member Michelle Hsia said that her family chose the club eight years ago because of the atmosphere with three pools that can grow with their children over time as well as the general “feel” there. “We love it there!” said Michelle. “My children have been on the swim team for several years now, and have so much fun meeting new friends. We have made friends over the years that we look forward to seeing every year!”
For more information about the club and the RTW Swim and Dive Team, visit their website at RoseTreeWoods.org.
Splash Club Marple
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 six summers, Splash Marple has been the go-to seasonal staycation for locals. Since they opened back in 2019, they’ve added even more amenities for their members to relax and escape their busy lives.
The Piercy family chose Splash because it was less than a mile down the road from their home, no bond and most importantly, their friends recommended it. “We have been members for over five years and each year they find a way to add to the experience,” said Danielle Piercy. “If we don’t want to be in one of the five pools, we are enjoying the food, playground, games and even a little library.”
Children under age 18 can join the Splash Surfers swim team to learn about the sport; become strong, competitive swimmers; and have fun swimming against other swim clubs. Splash also partners with Speer Swim School, which offers lessons designed by mom and educator Emily Speer.
When guests need to take a break from swimming, they can dine at The Wave Restaurant and cool off at the Wave Cave, an air-conditioned ice cream room. New this season, Splash partnered with East Eagle Yoga and offered poolside yoga classes for its members.
Located at 2705 Sunset Blvd, Broomall, Splash offers uninterrupted relaxation, unbeatable scenery and delicious cuisine. For more information visit SplashClubMarple.com.
Lawrence Park Swim Club
Sanny and Justin Freid have belonged to Lawrence Park Swim Club (LPSC) since 2019. “What we love most about it is the convenient location and friendly atmosphere,” said Sanny. The Freids love the snack bar too, “It gives us the option to stay for lunch or dinner,” she added.
Andrea Sheehan and her family joined LPSC a few years ago and said that it has been their oasis. “We love how low key it is,” she said. “It has families with little ones, seniors who have been members for over 50 years and everything in between.” Andrea said there are lots of fun activities planned throughout the summer, including Flick and Float nights, Christmas in July, pre-teen nights, Family Day and there is an active swim team. “And since they put in pool heaters a few years ago, we benefit from an extra long season,” she added.
Liz Bianco is a long time member of the club and has been a board member for the past five years. “It’s a great place to spend your summers,” said Liz, who has fond memories of going to the club with her brother as kids. “It’s family oriented and we are proud to offer so many activities throughout the season.”
LPSC is tucked away at 293 Langford Road in Broomall offers, a 6-lane 25m outdoor pool, a 12-ft diving well with diving board and a water slide. Young children can enjoy the gated toddler pool and attached playground. Guests can picnic outdoors or enjoy kid-friendly food and frozen treats in their snack bar. The pools are also heated, which allows the club to open earlier in the season and it stays open through September. LPSC is also the home of the Dolphins, a competitive swim team with members ages 4-18. For more info visit LPSwimClub.org.
Joining one of our local swim clubs is a fantastic way to beat the heat and make the most of the summer season. Whether you’re seeking cool relief, exercise, family fun, social interaction or a safe environment to swim, a pool offers it all. Visit our local pools to see which one meets your family’s needs. It’s not too late for some August memberships or too early to start planning for next summer!