Leisure Service Delivery Assignment #2-Michael Niehaus

INTRODUCTION

I visited Champaign Country Club, which is a private membership club located not to far from campus on Prospect Avenue. Though it does not cater to the student body it has been a strong pillar in the Champaign Community. The challenging 6500 yards, par 71, 18-hole golf course provides plenty of recreation and leisure for its members. However, golf is not the only activity at the club it has several other amenities that the whole family can enjoy.

BACKGROUND

The country club was established in 1904 for the citizens of Champaign. While most of the facilities have changed, some things remain the same or still have a classical look. Located on the course are many tall and mature trees that have been around since the club was founded. The 37,000 square foot clubhouse has nice red brick on the outside but the inside still has a classical look and feel.

EMPLOYMENT

I talked with the General Manager Chris Collins about the facilities at Champaign Country Club. There are many different services that are provided and they require a good amount of employees. During the summer they need lifeguards, mowers and chefs. The employees get certain golf privileges during the weekdays. Since summer is winding down, they are not hiring for certain positions. However, they accept applications for bartenders and waiters all year round because the restaurant is open during all seasons.

CURRENT TRENDS

With the current economic situation they have not seen an increase membership. Currently they have around 600 members. However, the club has seen the use of the facilities go up. There has been more use with the pool, tennis courts and practice range. The use of the golf course itself has been mostly the same because members have the same easy access they always have.

LEISURE

The Champaign Country Club is used by families, individuals and businesses, however; the main purpose of it is for leisure. Whenever someone steps foot on the grounds of the club they want to enjoy themselves. They can relax and be stress free in many different ways; a family can enjoy themselves at the pool, play a challenging game of tennis, enjoy a nice exercise in the workout room, or refine your golf game on the practice range. The two most used amenities are the golf course and the banquet hall. The hall can be used for wedding receptions and seat up to 400 people.

SYNOPSIS

Champaign Country Club is not just a place for people to play golf. It is a place for people to socialize, relax, and be active. It is a great place for people to enjoy other people’s company with the huge banquet room. People can enjoy their time at the pool or be active by playing golf, tennis or working out. This country club caters to almost everyone’s wants: family, competition and relaxation. After visiting the country club and seeing how well everything is kept, I believe this would be a good profession to go in to. However, the only con I see is that it is only for private members, so the member must take advantage of the opportunities that are given to them. If the club is full active members then I believe this would be a great environment to work in.