Coral Gables Golf and Country Club Advisory Board

Coral Gables Country Club

Agenda — 19 items

1. 1 CALLED TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 2 The meeting was called to order at 4:06 p.m.
4. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5. 4 DIRECTOR'S REPORT
6. 4 Present: - Albert Sanchez - Isis Arenas - Yamilet Rodriguez - Don D. Slesnick III Abesent: - Pedro A. Izaguirre: excused - Pedro F. Andollo - Sherry Celesia: excused
7. 5 a. Athletic Club Manager Gilman reported that the Athletic Club currently has approximately 1,754 memberships, consisting of 15 golf memberships and approximately 1,739 regular Athletic Club memberships. Of the total membership, approximately 1,497 are residents and 257 are non-residents. Manager Gilman provided an overview of improvements completed during the Athletic Club's recent maintenance closure. Work included extensive cleaning and maintenance of the pool deck, including removal and cleaning of lounge furniture and equipment and treatment of areas where algae and moss had accumulated. The pool restroom was repainted and additional towel hooks were installed. Plastic bag dispensers were also installed in the locker rooms to provide members with bags for wet clothing following pool or fitness activities. The cardio deck was repainted, and air vents throughout the area were removed and thoroughly cleaned. The children’s lounge was repainted, received new furniture, and the Lego wall was refreshed. Staff also removed older and unnecessary materials from the room. In the men’s locker room, one sink is awaiting replacement once the necessary part is received. The sauna was repaired and received new heating elements and sauna rocks. Manager Gilman advised that repairs were also completed in the women’s locker room, including adjustments to glass stall doors that had become difficult to open and close. Gaps between granite sections in the restroom stalls were repaired, and the restroom areas were repainted and deep cleaned. The upstairs fitness area and aerobics room received additional deep cleaning. Rubber flooring in the weight area was thoroughly cleaned, and yoga mats were removed, washed, and sanitized in response to previous member comments. Equipment storage areas in the aerobics room were also repainted. Maintenance was performed on the air-conditioning system, and additional parts are expected to be installed once received. The upstairs area was repainted, and an area previously contemplated for a storefront will temporarily be used as office space during the upcoming pool construction project. Manager Gilman advised that the storefront concept may be revisited following completion of construction. Manager Gilman also advised that new decals are being developed for the Club's main entrance. The improvements will more clearly identify the entrance as the Coral Gables Golf and Country Club and will include basic information such as hours of operation. A Board Member requested that staff consider additional deodorizing products in the locker rooms and restrooms. Manager Gilman advised that the request would be reviewed. The Board discussed the possibility of establishing a separate social media presence for the Athletic Club. Board Members stated that a dedicated Instagram account could provide a more effective way to communicate fitness programming, classes, trainers, member mixers, operational information, and other Athletic Club-specific content, particularly as the Club attracts younger members. Director Sliva explained that creation of a separate account would require coordination and approval through the City's Communications Department. Director Sliva agreed that separating Athletic Club information from venue and other Country Club content could improve communication with members. A MOTION TO HAVE STAFF EXPLORE CREATING A SEPARATE INSTAGRAM PAGE FOR THE ATHLETIC CLUB APART FROM THE VENUE AND LE PARC INSTAGRAM PAGE WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER ISIS ARENAS AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER DON SLESNICK III. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The Board also discussed inconsistencies between Athletic Club operating hours displayed online and actual facility hours. Manager Gilman acknowledged the concern and will review the information available online to ensure operating hours are accurately communicated. A Board Member reported that the trash receptacle located near the Smith machine and weight area was damaged and that the foot pedal was no longer functioning properly. Manager Gilman advised that replacement of several trash receptacles in the fitness area is already being considered. b. Venue Manager Pinon provided an update regarding a recent magazine launch event hosted at the Country Club. The publication featured two weddings previously held at the facility and provided the Country Club with a complimentary advertising page. Manager Pinon noted that the exposure provides an opportunity to further promote the Country Club as a destination for weddings and other social events and may assist in generating additional venue revenue. The Board discussed weddings held at the Country Club and the use of the Granada Garden as a ceremony location. Manager Pinon advised that the garden continues to be a popular ceremony space for clients who host both their wedding ceremony and reception at the facility. Manager Pinon also provided a recap of the Members’ Mixer: Mixology Masterclass. Approximately 200 individuals had RSVP’d; however, actual attendance was approximately 130 attendees, including walk-ins. Manager Pinon noted that although attendance was lower than anticipated based on reservations, the event was successful and adequate food was available. The Board discussed the impact of members reserving space for events and subsequently not attending, particularly because attendance projections are used to determine food quantities and other event-related expenses. Suggestions included monitoring future attendance patterns before considering changes to the RSVP process and providing a combination of passed hors d'oeuvres and stationary food displays at future events. A Board Member suggested incorporating members more directly into future mixers by having members, Board Members, instructors, or other groups serve as informal hosts. The Board discussed that this could encourage additional participation and create more opportunities for members to socialize and become familiar with the Club’s programs and representatives. Staff advised that similar ideas have been discussed internally and will be considered when planning future mixers. Manager Pinon also provided a recap of the Miami Whiskey Mash. Eight Country Club members purchased tickets using the member discount. Overall attendance for the event was estimated at more than 300 attendees throughout the evening. Manager Pinon advised that the event is generally held every six months and encouraged additional member participation at future events. The next Country Club member event will be the Pumpkin Float, scheduled for October 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Atrium with poolside access. Additional event information will be provided to members through the Club newsletter. c. Le Parc Cafe Director Sliva advised that Le Parc Café is preparing for Halloween activities and is expected to remain open later than normal on Halloween. The final closing time is still being evaluated based on participation and sales from the previous year. She also advised that Le Parc is working on seasonal menu offerings. The Board discussed the member discount available at the Birdies Bistro. Director Sliva confirmed that members must identify themselves and request the discount when making a purchase. The Board suggested that signage be considered to better inform members of the benefit and ensure employees are aware of the arrangement. d. General Community Recreation Updates Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez provided information regarding upcoming Community Recreation special events. - Saturday at the Cinema – Psycho will be held at the Coral Gables Art Cinema on October 3, 2026. - The Pumpkin Patch will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026. - The AAC Spooktacular will be held Friday, October 23, 2026. - Accessible Recreation will host a Gentle Trick-or-Treat event designed to provide younger participants and individuals who may benefit from a less intimidating environment with an opportunity to practice trick-or-treating. - The Youth Center Haunted House will also take place on Friday, October 30th from 6 - 9 p.m.
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUGUST MEETING MINUTES WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER ISIS ARENAS AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER YAMI RODRIGUEZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
11. 8 - Athletic Club Survey (open until October 17th) Manager Gilman provided an update on the Athletic Club member survey. As of the meeting, approximately 102 responses had been received. The survey will remain open through October 17, 2026. Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez advised that an additional communication will be distributed to members to encourage further participation before the survey closes. The Board requested that the final survey results be distributed prior to the next meeting so members have sufficient time to review the responses before discussing them in greater detail. The Board also asked about the Club's female personal trainer. Manager Gilman advised that the trainer is continuing to build her clientele and currently has approximately six clients. Manager Gilman has discussed the possibility of having her teach a fitness class in the future as an additional way to introduce her to members and expand awareness of personal training services.
12. 8 Director Sliva began her report by updated the board on the upcoming Coral Gables Golf and Country Club pool deck renovation project. Director Sliva advised that construction is anticipated to begin in November, with mobilization and site preparation occurring prior to the start of construction. The current target is to begin construction on or around November 9, 2026. Assistant Director Espino explained that the project is anticipated to take approximately six months. The City has established Memorial Day weekend as the target for reopening the pool in order to have the facility operational for the beginning of the summer season. The project will include the complete renovation of the pool deck as well as structural work beneath the deck. Assistant Director Espino explained that the area beneath a portion of the pool deck contains the primary pool equipment and pump systems, and portions of the foundation require significant repair. As a result, construction activities will affect access to certain areas of the Athletic Club. During construction, the cardio deck is expected to be unavailable due to work occurring along the adjacent glass wall and foundation. Assistant Director Espino stated that the remainder of the Athletic Club is expected to remain operational to the greatest extent possible. Access to the locker rooms, upstairs fitness areas, elevators, and stairwells will be coordinated based on the progression of construction. The Board discussed how construction may affect member access, parking, venue operations, and the café. Assistant Director Espino advised that a detailed access and circulation plan is being developed to accommodate members, event clients, vendors, and construction personnel. Signage and temporary fencing will also be installed to direct members throughout the facility. Renderings of the completed pool deck are expected to be displayed so members can view the planned improvements. The Board asked whether alternative swimming accommodations would be available while the Country Club pool is closed. Assistant Director Espino advised that Country Club members are expected to have access to the Venetian Pool during the construction period, subject to Venetian Pool operating hours and temporary closures. Venetian Pool is also anticipated to close for approximately two to three weeks in January for maintenance related to the pool finish. Additional information regarding member accommodations, possible membership extensions, and other considerations will be provided once details are finalized. Assistant Director Espino emphasized that the goal is to maintain as much of the Athletic Club’s operations as possible throughout construction while minimizing disruptions to members and venue clients.
13. 9 DISCUSSION ITEMS
14. 10 PUBLIC COMMENT
15. 11 ITEMS FOR THE SECRETARY The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 4 p.m.
16. 12 The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th at 4 p.m.
17. 13 ADJOURNMENT
18. 15 Country Club Member Mauricio Franco discussed the front entrance door and potential safety and visibility concerns when individuals enter and exit the facility. Suggestions included exploring modifications or treatments to improve visibility while maintaining the appearance of the entrance. Manager Gilman acknowledged the concern for further review. Country Club Member Mauricio Franco also discussed the possibility of implementing a customer loyalty or rewards program at Le Parc. Director Sliva advised that the concept has previously been raised with the café operator and is being explored.
19. 18 A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 4:54 P.M. WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER ISIS ARENAS AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER DON SLESNICK III. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

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