A Club House Is...

[Barbie]

Chrissy
I just read your article, I was hoping it would assist me with my community centre problems but it didn't seem to give me the answer.

I am a Community Manager. (115 homes) . 70% of the community is 50 plus however there are also familes and approx. 30 children in the community. Since taking on managing the community (over 2 years) the "Club House" has been my biggest headache.

I am not comfortable using the word " Club House" It leaves a bad taste in my month the same way using the word Park" does I prefer to call the building a "Community Centre". I feel refering to a building as a Club House means there is a "Club" and this is were my problems begin and never seem to end.

In the tenant's lease it say they have the right to use the centre/hall with all tenants; however years ago a prior owner decided to let a group of tenants form a "Club" and control the centre. Building maintenance and social activities were thier responsibilty. Over a period of 10 years, no maintnenace was done, the Club managed to accumulate a large sum of funds ( thousands of $) from activites (ie bingos & dinners) and a same small group of residents (12) made sure they were in control at all times. They rotated leadership between themselves. They have caused years of damage, mistrust, hard feeling and annomosity beyond belief. This club is basiclly a "senior club" with the average age being 70. Needless to say as younger people move into the comminuty they are not made welcome nor are thier interests the same.

I want to have a "Community Centre" that is for all residents, not a "Club House" for a "Seniors Club" I want younger residents to have the opportunity to use the centre for activites that interest them. Recognizing that age groups, interests and even personalitlies are not always going to mix, how would you suggest I get control of the centre (there is also some seroius maintnenace that needs to be done) and try to keep two or three groups of tenants happy and sociable. ( even civil would be OK)

Would appreicate any comments or suggestions you might have. I would also like to know if "control & personality issuses " related to activites etc are a common problem with "Club Houses" in other communities.

[Gayle Linke]

First of all, I am not a MH community manager, but have owned several rental properties over the years. Second, this is not legal advice.

If their original agreement for use and maintenance is in writing, you have grounds to terminate it for breach of contract in that they did not maintain the place. If not, close the place for "maintenance" for several months, make the repairs and inform the "Club" before the Grand Re-Opening Party that the "new" community center is no longer theirs to run. Make sure to have a sign-up sheet in the office (not under the Club's control) for use of the facility for family reunions, etc. Make the "Club" sign up to schedule their Bingo, Pot Lucks, etc. Only letting people make one reservation at a time will open up the area to other residentss.

Make sure to invite EVERYONE in the community to the Grand Re-Opening via a written invitation on their doors, etc. It's important to let everyone that the "Club" is not in control anymore. You are!

[Moriah Schwarte]

Dear Gayle:

I haven't read Chrissy's response yet, but I also help manage an All-Aged Community where 65% of my community is 55+. My "club house" 2 years ago now our community center was also controlled by the 55+ residents . I can relate to what you are going through. You just have to take control. Yes, you will get a hand full of residents who are part of the 55+ members who will not be your best friend, you might even get "hate letters" unsigned etc. But, the commuity as a whole will respect you because you are being fair and treating everyone the same and give equal respect to all. Having Community Center guidelines are very important. Having a community center key log, where all residents who reserve the community center must sign in and out the key. We require a $50.00 deposit to reserve our community center and as long as the community center is left in the same condition as it was before use, they will get their deposit returned. We do not charge for the use of our community center. But, we have written our budget to handle this. When you enter our community center their are photographs that line the hallways to display our all-aged community...some of the Bingo which most are 55+ and some of the Blood Drives and some of the other activites which are mostly attended by the young...but, it is always clear that all-ages are welcome. As long as all functions you support are for all ages, no one can point fingers at you. Although you will be blamed for only doing things for the young. Call me if you would like to chat or send me an email...I would be happy to write you my experiences or just let you know your not alone out there.

Sincerely, Moriah Schwarte, PHC Community Director - Bath, PA

[Moriah Schwarte]

Dear Gayle:

I haven't read Chrissy's response yet, but I also help manage an All-Aged Community where 65% of my community is 55+. My "club house" 2 years ago now our community center was also controlled by the 55+ residents . I can relate to what you are going through. You just have to take control. Yes, you will get a hand full of residents who are part of the 55+ members who will not be your best friend, you might even get "hate letters" unsigned etc. But, the commuity as a whole will respect you because you are being fair and treating everyone the same and give equal respect to all. Having Community Center guidelines are very important. Having a community center key log, where all residents who reserve the community center must sign in and out the key. We require a $50.00 deposit to reserve our community center and as long as the community center is left in the same condition as it was before use, they will get their deposit returned. We do not charge for the use of our community center. But, we have written our budget to handle this. When you enter our community center their are photographs that line the hallways to display our all-aged community...some of the Bingo which most are 55+ and some of the Blood Drives and some of the other activites which are mostly attended by the young...but, it is always clear that all-ages are welcome. As long as all functions you support are for all ages, no one can point fingers at you. Although you will be blamed for only doing things for the young. Call me if you would like to chat or send me an email...I would be happy to write you my experiences or just let you know your not alone out there.

Sincerely, Moriah Schwarte, PHC Community Director - Bath, PA

[Moriah Schwarte]

Dear Barbie:

The message under Gayle was meant for you. Oops I made a mistake...sorry this is the first time I responded to one of these.

Smiles,
Moriah