WATERLOO – For 42 years, the Northfield Racquet Club has offered a mix of fun and fitness for its members.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, Northfield closed its doors and last week the club announced that the closure is permanent.
But a longtime member plans to continue this tradition when his new adventure, Greystone Racquet Club, opens at the facility in the coming weeks.
Geoff Lucas has been a member of Northfield for 21 years, active in his fitness, squash and, more recently, pickleballs, offers and an organizer of tournaments and other events. And for a number of years, the Waterloo resident had thought about leaving the corporate world to open his club. The closure of Northfield offered the possibility of passing the torch.
The opportunity to draw on Northfield’s substantial membership base – it has fluctuated between 1,300 and 1,500 in recent years – was a key consideration, Lucas said. “It’s such a phenomenal membership base,” with many treating it like a home away from home. “I want Greystone to be able to provide an unmatched member experience.”
Lucas plans to send Northfield membership information to Greystone at the end of the month, with pre-enrollment starting August 3 with a membership limit of 1,500. He is waiting for more information from Health Canada on COVID-19 measures and restrictions, but is looking at September 5 as the opening date.
“This has been the most incredible experience of my life so far,” said Lucas. “It’s a mix of extreme nerves and extreme excitement, and it launches like a switch.”
Its new business is named after the small village of Northern Ireland that its ancestors called home until they moved to Canada in 1845. The 82,000-square-foot facility on Northfield Drive has seven indoor and two outdoor tennis courts. open, two pickleball courts, five squash courts and a hardball doubles the squash court, along with a dedicated spinning studio, a yoga studio, a fitness room and cardio and weight rooms.
Lucas plans to transform an existing bistro into a luxury bar and restaurant with an outdoor patio; he will call it The Barney Lawrence Lounge, in honor of the late local squash champion. He is also adding an indoor golf facility with a state-of-the-art simulator.
Founded in 1978 by the property development and management company Marsland Center Ltd. – Marsland still owns the land, and Lucas will have a long-term lease – the Northfield Racquet Club has fostered friendships as much as promoting fitness, and Lucas wants delve into this.
In a message posted on the club’s website, general manager Melanie Marsland thanked the members and staff for their loyalty and support.
“It has been a pleasure to meet many of you and your family members and to know that we have played an important role in supporting your healthy and active lifestyle,” he wrote. “For our staff, you are an incredible team. Thanks for your inspiration and dedication. You are what made Northfield a home for many of our members. “
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Lucas plans to hire more than 40 full-time and part-time staff members and said the majority will be former Northfield staff. “For many longtime members, there are some surprises that I’m excited to join the team.”
Lucas said the help and support of the Marsland family made the transition as smooth as possible. “It was obvious that they want this to happen.”
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