Hartford, Vt. – Quechee Club (the Club) in Hartford, Vermont, recently announced the adoption of its campus-wide master plan to enhance the club’s lifestyle offerings for its member community, marking the beginning of the largest project in the Club’s 52-year history. The overwhelming approval of the proposed first phase of the renovation plan transforms the four-season residential community’s position to provide a variety of outdoor recreational pursuits, premier amenities, and an inviting social atmosphere, all centered around the enjoyment of the club’s Upper Valley Vermont location.
Long in the planning stages, an iteration of the plan was first presented to membership in 2010, but was never approved in its entirety. The master planning was reenergized by Brett Long, past president and Boardroom Magazine’s 2021 Top Private Club President; Kathy Hickey, current president; Kevin Roden, chair of the Facilities Planning Committee; and general manager, Brian Kelley, CCM, PGA, who arrived at the Club in the summer of 2020. The club’s masterplan synthesizes the combined work of the Facilities Planning Committee, the Finance Committee, the Board of Trustees and the Club management team, converting a long-standing wish list and big visions into reality.
The reworked and carefully articulated current version of the plan reflects the diverse interests and priorities of the present-day and future membership with proposed investment in various amenity areas. Multiple surveys, focus groups and planning sessions were supported by industry leaders in business intelligence, Club Benchmarking, and clubhouse master planning and architecture firm, JBG JGA Design & Architecture.
“Last summer’s utilization of our programs and amenities broke records in every area. And this fall and winter followed suit,” said Brian Kelley, CCM, PGA, general manager of Quechee Club. “The club’s demographics and desires of the membership are changing. This plan was the result of listening to our membership, bringing many stakeholders into the planning, and now, with the approval from membership, we have set the Club on a trajectory for a bright future.”
The first of two phases features a new racquet sports complex, which includes the addition of four new pickleball courts, renovation of two hard tennis courts, as well as the relocation of the platform tennis facility with the addition of two new courts and a warming hut experience.
A popular destination for summer programming for families, including kids’ recreation and sports camps, the club’s master plan includes an expansion of the Recreation Camp Barn, adding a second floor, and updating the building’s roof and mechanical systems as well as adding restrooms and a warming hut for wintertime cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The 52-acre recreation lake amenity, Lake Pinneo, will also be improved with new shower and locker room facilities and snack bar service capabilities in the first phase of the project.
The last component of the initial phase includes the construction of three new buildings: cart barn, multi-use ski and golf building and storage, and designated employee housing. In an effort to attract and retain staff and to improve access to quality housing, dormitory-style rooms will be located on the second floor of the new cart storage facility, where the current gas-powered cart fleet will be converted to electric-powered carts. The Club-owned family ski mountain will be supported by combining two current buildings into a newly constructed facility to house ski patrol, ticket sales, ski team program and driving range staff in golf season, as well as new equipment storage facilities and restrooms for skiers and golfers.
“We share many amenities at the Quechee Club, and since we are not a single- or even dual-focus club, we keep a broad view of both our present and our future, creating spaces and opportunities for all ages and interests,” remarked Kathy Hickey, current president of Quechee Club’s Board of Trustees.
“Phase one addresses the interests and needs of our ever-expanding member demographic; our amenities enjoy strong support but need attention to keep up with the times. It is a well-considered step forward. Whether our community keeps Quechee as a guarded secret or shares their good fortune with friends and multiple generations, the improvements in phase one of the Campus Master Plan will move us toward even greater and more memorable experiences.”
Photos: Campus Master Plan Conceptual Renderings:
- Paddle Courts Concept
- Recreation Camp Barn Concept
- Lake Pinneo Beach House/Boat House Concept
- Base of Ski Hill Concept with Cart Barn, Employee Housing, Ski & Golf Buildings/Storage
Located in the town of Hartford set against Vermont’s Green Mountains, Quechee Club is a four-season lifestyle community, offering access to a spectrum of recreational activities throughout the year. The 6,000-acre residential area was established in 1970 and is stewarded by Quechee Lakes Landowners Association. Home to more than 1400 residents, the Upper Valley destination is known for its quiet countryside setting, environmental landscape, and all-season recreational lifestyle. Member residents, their families and guests, enjoy access to 36 holes of championship golf, racquet sports, indoor and outdoor aquatics, fitness facilities, hiking, kayaking, as well as family programming and events. In addition, the club’s restaurants, Davidson’s and Dewey’s Deck, offer year-round dining; and indoor and outdoor event facilities are available for weddings and events. In the wintertime, the club’s Ski Quechee is widely recognized as a family- and beginner-friendly ski area with ski lift operation, groomed downhill and cross-country trails, and renowned ski school and competitive ski team, all open to the local community. For more information, visit quecheeclub.com.
