Start the master planning process now
Posted by Amy Haefele on Wed, May 18, 2011 @ 09:37 AM
By Ryan Yakel, AIA
Now is a great time to start a master planning process and to take a close look at facilities improvements to your club. I know we are still climbing out of a recession, but, for dollars spent, the master planning process is one of the least expensive components of any building or remodeling program. Also, by starting now, your club will be poised to act when the time is right to present the plan to the members for approval.
CCI recommends an overall master plan that starts by listening to the members, either by way of focus groups or a membership survey. Make sure they understand that the club is starting the process now so that it will be prepared to act when the members are ready.
Also, a complete physical review of the club’s facilities is important to identify any immediate needs. The next step is to work with a professional club planner, such as CCI, to review different plan scenarios to meet both the current and future needs of the club’s members. The plan can be phased over a certain period of time or executed as a single project. Either way, make sure that portions of the club are open to the members so they can continue to utilize the club or temporary facilities throughout the remodeling process.
Planning for the club’s future is always a prudent move for club boards and management alike. Taking the time to start now shows forward thinking, leadership and a commitment by the club to take action, in lieu of waiting or simply doing nothing. We commend those clubs that have already started their facilities master plan process and encourage your club to see the benefits of being ahead of the curve.
Give us a shout to find out more about starting the process (call 972-253-3583 or email marketing@cciclubdesign.com), or check back here as I lay out the steps to successful master planning in future blogs.