Multigenerational Facilities Becoming the Norm

"Golf is becoming less and less a driver in our industry, family activities are a much larger driver and trying to stay ahead of the curve is hugely important" says Bill Griffon, General Manager of The Forest Highlands Association. Couldn't have said it better ourselves. Go to any large conference or read any industry publication and this sentiment is echoed throughout. Golf is still paramount, but clubs can no longer avoid offering amenities beyond the course.

So what are Bill and the Forest Highlands Association doing to stay ahead of this curve? Over the last year The Forest Highlands Golf Club has been in the midst of a $7 million clubhouse renovation. Home to two championship level courses and a slew of other amenities, management understood the need to continue the club's world class facilities and the members approved the renovation. One particularly exciting upgrade was centered on the Forest Highland family center. "The area will have a kid's room, soda fountain & snack bar area, electronic table games, pool tables, foosball tables, a movie room with big screen TVs, furnishings, and an Xbox."

It was clear during our interview with Bill that the facility wanted to create a space that was more than just a kid's area. "Forest Highlands is a multigenerational facility, and when we were in the planning stages of this project, we made clear intentions to build an area that our multigenerational membership can enjoy." When asked about whether he views this as something prospective customers expected, or were surprised to see, Bill responded hesitantly, "I wouldn't say it's necessarily a surprise, but it's more and more expected today at a top end club and we wanted to mirror that expectation."

VGM Club Furniture Program is helping Forest Highlands complete this transition towards a more innovative family center. "When the need came, and because of my good relationship with the people at VGM Club, I wanted to make sure I got the most bang for our buck," said Bill. His VGM Club rep, Troy Hoffman reached out to VGM Club Furniture’s owner, Carol Swift, and was able to get a quote to Bill.

Any advice Bill has for clubs looking to renovate their family center/child care facilities, or add that type of facility into their amenities? "You have to make sure you're programming for the needs of the club, and of the area, and how that area is going to be used. We also felt it was important to have extensive talks with our designer and architect to make sure we were ahead of the curve when it comes to not only the kids – but the entire family. We wanted to determine what was going to be attractive to the whole family."

VGM Club Furniture Program is our most trusted suppliers when clubs are searching for any type of furniture. For more information on the program and how your club can take advantage, see their page here or contact your VGM Club Rep.