MembershipSurvey

Member Survey Feedback Part Three: Let's Make It Happen!

This is Part Three of a three part series providing feedback, key learnings, and improvement opportunities identified in the fall member survey. This final segment will highlight both completed and planned actions along with a sampling of member comments.

The Dining Experience

Dining noise, menu choices, food and beverage pricing and hours of operation comprised the categories with which members were least happy. In the last few months management and the Board have taken a comprehensive look at the club’s dining offerings, gathered additional focus group member input, and have begun to make improvements in the member dining experience. Pricing of food and drinks has been adjusted, hours of operation have been modified, and noise levels are expected to be addressed using experts in the field. While some gaps remain (occasional long service wait times, challenging Spinnaker bar service, outdoor dining options, etc.) management and the Board are focused on continuous improvement in this area of highest member concern.

Pool and Pool Facilities

Members voiced their frustrations regarding the number of available umbrellas, chairs and lounges, as well as some of the rules regarding pool furniture use and guest fees. Several members commented the pool itself was in need of renovation; an observation previously noted by management as well. A pool construction and renovation company has been engaged to perform major work on the pool this spring; members should be greeted with a new pool interior on opening day. The club is currently considering purchase of additional umbrellas to increase shade around the pool and is looking at the way pool rules are enforced to maximize enjoyment for all members.

Athletics and Locker Rooms

Members were generally happy with the Fitness Center and fitness staff, while expressing the desire to have a larger space for this facility. Fitness space is a difficult area to address as the current location is essentially fully utilized with minimal expansion possibilities. This topic will be referred to the club’s Strategic Planning process for long term consideration. Several members commented on the lack of pickleball instruction and the difficulty of booking pickleball courts at certain times. The Athletics Committee will be taking all comments under advisement as the season approaches; a new menu of options is expected to be available in the Spring time frame. A number of comments highlighted the need for improvements in the locker facilities as well as more frequent housekeeping rounds, amenities replacements, use by unsupervised children, etc. The locker rooms will be placed on a higher priority for rotating staff attention once the summer season arrives.

Communications

Members highlighted the need for improved communications in many areas from Board actions to operations to feedback mechanisms. Several actions have been initiated already in this regard, including a Board Highlights column and a comments section on the GPYC mobile app. Additional feedback opportunities are planned to include emailed dining surveys, routine annual membership surveys, etc.

Future Forward

To recap this series of articles, the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club is YOUR club; the value of broad based member input to major decisions cannot be overestimated. As such look for continued opportunities to provide feedback as management and the Board guide the Club in future operational and capital undertakings.