After the Allenhurst Beach Club closes on Labor Day, members have the option of paying for access until the end of September. But this fall, that program — known as Indian Summer — may no longer be available.
“Let’s figure out the number of people interested,” said Mayor David McLaughlin at last night’s Allenhurst Board of Commissioners meeting. “Maybe it’s not worth it at all.”
This Sunday, beach club staff will poll members to gauge interest in the Indian Summer program. There will also be an email blast with information about a sign-up sheet for poll participation.
If the response is positive, changes to the program may still be necessary.
“Indian Summer kind of got away from us last year in what the original intent was for,” said McLaughlin. “It was [intended to be] a low-touch, low-maintenance concept. And last year it seemed like we had a full staff.”
The revenue from members participating in Indian Summer was not enough to cover the payroll last year, and the beach club lost money, officials said.
Having the club partially open until the end of September also makes it harder for the staff to prepare for the next summer.
“It takes two weeks to close,” said Beach Club Manager Doug Caron. “If you [stay open] to the end of September, then you’re in the middle of October. Any projects that you had a decent period of time to start on, that’s shot.”
Possible changes were discussed. These include limiting the program to two weeks, having minimal staff on site, and requiring interested members to commit to the program at the beginning of the summer.
Member expectations for the program may also have to be adjusted.
“You spend a lot of money just trying to get that place in shape, and people have to realize you are going to be short-staffed, storms are going to come, and you can’t bring it back the next May in the shape you left it,” said Caron.
Seasonal beach club fees begin at $955 for residents and $1,248 for non-residents, with per-person fees for each member of a family. Cabana rentals are $2,422 for residents and $4,012 for non-residents if reserved after May 11. In previous years, participation fees for Indian Summer were $200 for a cabana rental and $100 for a locker.
