By Lauren Schiffman, Contributing Writer
WESTBOROUGH – Things are looking up for Westboro Tennis & Swim Club, now under ‘new ownership.’ With the Club set to close in October 2020 due to Boston Sports Club’s bankruptcy, former owner and landlord Justin Lundberg stepped in and regained control of the business to make sure the Club stayed open and employees retained their jobs, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Even though it’s new ownership,” said membership manager Jessica Kaiser, “it’s old ownership. It’s a really good thing,” she added.
Club staff is eager to welcome members and campers back this summer to enjoy the programming the Club is known for, with the comfort in knowing that safety precautions are in place.
“Navigating the pandemic has been very challenging for everyone, including health clubs in particular. But when people are ready to get back into fun, healthy activities, we’re here, and we’ll provide the safest possible environment,” Lundberg said.
Camp safety
Summer camps ran successfully last year, and the Club’s safety protocols continue to improve. Staff have been vaccinated and trained on COVID-19 safety and compliance.
“During the pandemic, we made numerous air quality and sanitization changes,” Lundberg said. “We are proud of our complete transparency regarding safety protocols, which folks can read about on our blog.” For more about the Club’s safety practices, visit https://www.thewestboroclub.com/covid-updates/.
For camper groups, the Club will once again create small group sizes and place an emphasis on outdoor activities. As of now, masks are required for all activities except swimming and eating, but the Club will modify based on licensing guidance at the time. Camps will spend as much time outside as possible, even eating outside under new shade structures.
Summer fun
Children aged three to five can enjoy Kinder Camp, which includes tennis lessons and safe group swim. Sports and Swim camp is geared toward campers between first and seventh grade and offers similar activities. Children eight and up can participate in a camp focused solely on tennis.
“Tennis provides a great socially distant activity, and swimming is inherently safe with the chlorinated water and limited contact. These two elements alone have allowed us to service our members during the latter part of the pandemic, and we look forward to welcoming people back to the gym as more and more become vaccinated,” said Lundberg.
Weekly themed activities and daily pool activities like ice cream or tie-dying days provide other fun ways of engaging.
“Older kids interested in becoming a camp counselor can participate in the counselor-in-training program. It gives them a great start,” said Betsy Johnsen, Camp Director and Children’s Program Coordinator. In addition to learning the basics of CPR and COVID safety and protocols, CITs engage campers in activities that are safe and fun.
Getting healthy again
Lundberg said that the Club anticipates a large surge back to the gym. “People have put off going to the doctor and are more sedentary. This presents a problem for those who might find themselves with a few extra pounds and higher cholesterol and blood pressure readings. We are reinvesting in space, equipment and personnel and are prepared to welcome our members back.”
There are many opportunities for Club members to become as active as they were pre-pandemic. In addition to swimming lessons; tennis lessons and clinics; swim team; and of course, summer camp, there is no shortage of programming choices. The newest activity on the roster is for adults: the increasingly-popular pickleball.
“Being once again locally owned and operated enables us to quickly respond to the needs of our customers,” Lundberg said.
Registration for summer camps is now open. For more information about camps, COVID safety precautions or upcoming events, call 508-366-1222 or visit www.wtsc.com.