| Below are all of the emails sent to BSC Management
on which I have been copied |
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#71 - 3/7 1:45 p.m. Dear Lexter, Leslie and Robert, I have been a member of HP Waltham since 2004. Now that I found out you are planning on closing two courts, I will have to check what other options I have as 4 courts for the big number of players we have at HP will not be enough. During squash season 2 courts are always booked for league matches in peak time (7 to 9 pm). This will leave only 2 courts open for the rest of the members to play. Two courts will not be sufficient to meet the demand for the rest of the squash players at peak time . We have a wonderful squash box each month organized by Bill Mackey and that will suffer as well for lack of courts.
I would appreciate it if
you can reconsider your decision as your membership base will decrease
considerable due to this action. In particular, I plan to cancel my
membership if you decide to close these two courts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#70 - 3/5 5:03 p.m.
I have just heard you are planning to
close to squash courts. I joined Healthpoint for the SQUASH!!! I understand they will be replaced
with a youth center. I have two youths and no intentions of bringing them
I am not sure anyone really thought this out!! I am very disappointed in the
management. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#69 - 3/5 10:25 a.m. Robert I have recently learned through Bill Mackey at Health Point that 2 of the squash courts will be are going to be used for a new youth program. I am extremely upset to hear of this decision; I am grateful that Bill took the responsibility to let us know of this decision since we were not informed by a representative of Health Point, however, I do want to point out Health Point has charged us for the month of March, this is unacceptable. I joined Health Point specifically for the Squash and when I joined the sales person assured me that reserving courts would not be problem. During his sales pitch he talked about the fact there are 5 courts and that I would not have a problem reserving a court. He made it clear the squash program at Health Point was a huge part of the facility and supported by the organization. By removing courts 4 and 5 from the squash community at Health Point you will be decreasing my ability to work out at your facility and therefore providing me with no reason to continue to be a member. I use the courts in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. Often I will see Niamat Khan providing lessons to individuals and would like him to have the ability to continue doing so. If Niamat reserves one court for lessons and two courts are removed for the youth program that will leave two courts for the entire squash community. Should we contact you when we are unable to reserve one of these 2 free courts?
I hope you will reconsider
this decision in the meantime I have started to look into other facilities I
can join once I leave Health Point. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#68 - 3/5 9:54 a.m. Dear Dexter, Robert and Leslie - I have been a squash player for over 30 years. I joined Healthpoint about 5 years ago because of its wonderful squash program. I play on the Women's C Team and in the monthly Box Leagues, as well as many pick up games. Many times I cannot get a court at the time I need one - especially in the evenings and on weekends. And weekday afternoons, the courts are no longer available because they have been contracted out to the Windsor School. I have recently learned, through the grapevine, to my great dismay, that the new owners of Healthpoint are planning to eliminate 2 of the 5 courts. This will KILL the squash program, creating a tipping point which will cause me and others to seek other clubs which are committed to a vibrant squash program. I have valued my membership at Healthpoint, and don't want to be pushed to move to another facility so that I can continue to play squash on a regular basis with a significant group of enthusiastic and committed squash players. What is your business basis for making such a dramatic decision? I know that you are motivated by business concerns, but there has been no survey of members and their reasons for belonging to Healthpoint. Do you have any idea how many people use the squash courts, or when they are most busy? Do you know how many members would leave HealthPoint and go to your competitors (there are several in the area, with very respectable squash programs) if you were to make such a dramatic cutback in the squash program? There has also been no notice from the Club to members of this decision to eliminate 2 squash courts, so there is no opportunity for members to express their views, unless they are plugged into the same grapevine I am plugged into! PLEASE reconsider this decision. At the very
least, do a survey and make an informed decision - and give the members who
depend on the squash courts adequate notice of a change which will affect their
lives, and probably their membership. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#67 - 3/5 7:44 a.m. To whom it may concern:
I am absolutely outraged to hear that BSC is
planning to eliminate 2 of the 5 existing squash courts.
Jeff Linn had been telling us for several years
that we were finally going to get a real squash program. He disappeared and
with him all the promises we had been given. What happened to hiring a
squash director? The last few people in charge of squash at Heathpoint have
been from lower management who have never played squash in their life and
therefore had absolutely no idea how to run a squash program. How about
hiring somebody who actually knows something about squash? Yes, it will cost
you more, but the amount of new members you can generate plus the income
from more lessons, clinics, tournaments etc will more than offset that
expense. How about checking out the local squash clubs? One of them I happen
to know pretty well is Concord-Acton. Their facilities are nowhere near the
quality of Healthpoint (in fact their locker rooms are pretty pitiful), yet
they have a very active squash program and keep attracting more and more
members, including a lot of former Healthpoint players. Their success lies
in the hands of a very qualified squash pro and director who is constantly
organizing events for everyone, may they be beginners or A players. It is no
wonder our squash courts are empty during off times with nothing being
offered. We do have a very qualified squash pro who has built up quite a
group of regulars and who would be very capable of running a squash program.
League play is a huge incentive for people to
play at a club. By having only 3 courts, that will be virtually impossible.
Also, running clinics usual takes up 3 courts thus rendering it impossible
to book a court for play. Has any of you decision makers seen how crowded
the courts are on weekends or in the evening? Just as an example: I had to
change my weekly squash lesson from Wednesday morning to a Sunday afternoon.
Unfortunately the pro forgot to book a court and I had to wait 1 1/2 hours
to finally get my lesson as all the courts were booked.
There is a huge potential of people (I
personally have been approached by a lot of women who work out in the
morning) who would love to start playing squash. However, as there is no
beginner program (something like a clinic for beginners where the pro brings
racquets for the participants to try out before having to go buy their own),
you are missing out on a lot of new members joining the club.
Also try asking the front desk what BSC Waltham
offers. The squash courts are hardly ever mentioned, let alone shown to
potential new members.
As to your idea of establishing a youth program
in the to be eliminated squash courts: I myself have two children who both
played varsity sports in middle and high school (my daughter is currently
playing 2 sports at college), so I think I am qualified to talk about the
potential of getting young people to work out at a place like Healthpoint.
The location of Healthpoint is surrounded by mostly affluent communities.
Most, if not all, public schools have huge sports programs, which asides
from all the different sports also include fitness rooms which are open to
all students after school. All the kids participating in any sport have
practice 5-6 times a week after school. Other kids interested in working out
can do that for free in the fitness room or for a nominal fee at their local
recreation facilities. Also, all of these communities have their own
town and travel leagues with a multitude of courts and playing fields.So I
am not so sure where the potential of new youth member is. I suspect this
brilliant idea is coming from NYC where sports facilities for kids are rare.
Around here, most kids don't have to travel far to get into some sports
activity.
I am very upset that all this has been going on
behind the back of us squash members. A lot of us joined within the first
year of Healthpoint opening and are a substantial part of your loyal
members. Considering we are supposed to be a premium club with premium
membership cost I would assume the least BSC Waltham management could have
done was inform the squash community and sit down and try to find a
solution.
Should you however decide to pursue this
bad decision, how about at least just covering up the squash court
floors so it can be transformed back to courts once you find out that
this venture will not generate the income you are expecting. And last
but not least, do you really think that you will recruit enough youth
members to replace all the infuriated squash members who will be leaving
because of this?
Sincerely,
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#66 - 3/4 11:04 a.m. I am writing to echo the incredulous disbelief you've heard from other squash members at BSC Waltham. Forgetting for a moment the game itself, let's begin with yet another unilateral decision from the management to make a service-/club-altering decision without either eliciting feedback from the members or--and MOST OFFENSIVE--not making the members aware of the change until it is in progress. I have been a member for nearly six years. My family of four has been members for about half of that. Since BSC has taken over, I've seen a steady decrease in services. When I joined, we had: locks on lockers, a convenient sports store, towels available when I needed them, and consistently working showers. Some are now nonexistent and others are inconsistent at best, but I can look forward to my annual letter informing me of my 2% fee increase (while my pre-school kids' fees increase 5%+) apparently resulting from the fact that I can now watch TV at more stations in the gym. The squash facilities at BSC are among the best in the area in spite of their general neglect over the past few years. They could be the source of considerable revenue through promoting lessons (include squash as part of the Ignite-Youth program), tournaments or other events. There is a booming squash community in the local area, and squash players typically expect to pay a premium to participate in their unique sport. Not only are you missing an opportunity, but you will destroy the squash community that has thrived at Healthpoint despite no assistance or interest from club management. Reducing squash court capacity by 40% may look good financially, but it is offensive to a passionate group of about 250 members. It is truly unbelievable given the square footage of the facility that converting existing, quality assets is the best option. The manner in which the decision has been "communicated" is consistent with the disregard--bordering on arrogant indifference--for members demonstrated since Healthpoint changed names. As a member responsible for paying about $3500 per year in family fees, I think it's reasonable to expect some communication regarding changes such as these. I have a lot invested in my membership, and BSC Waltham specifically is convenient for me. I would really like to remain a member. Please reconsider this decision that will slowly but surely eliminate squash from the club all together. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#65 - 3/3 6:02 p.m.
Leslie, Very disappointed to learn that the club made a decision to remove 2 squash courts. The sport is becoming extremely popular with youth programs popping up all over the place and it was already difficult to get a court in the evenings and on weekends. Now it will become even harder.
My wife and I and multiple
neighbors have recently taken up or started playing again and it was one of
the main reasons for using your club. It was one of the main reasons for
belonging to BSC and given the very active squash community at BSC it seems
to be poorly thought out. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#64 - 3/3 3:38 p.m.
Dear BSC Management, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#64 - 3/3 1:32 p.m. Dear Sirs/Madam, I'm writing to protest as clearly and loudly as I can the (rumored) plan to remove two squash courts from the BSC Waltham facility. If true, this action will result in a dramtic change in the attractiveness of the club for squash players. I have been a member since the club opened and my sole reason for joining was to take advantage of the squash courts. Although I have been repeatedly disappointed over the years in the club's seeming indifference to the satisfaction of the squash players as a group, for example by not facilitating having a teaching pro, not sponsoring clinics, tournaments, or youth development programs, I have tolerated that indifference in order to make use of the quality courts. Your failure to discuss with the sizable number of squash players at BSC your plans for the courts, let alone the courtesy of a notification that one or more courts is to be dismantled is simply a continuation of that same indifferent and hostile attituted toward long-standing members whose primary interest is squash. If you took the time to investigate the membership who are at the club for squash, I believe you would find that squash members have a longer than average tenure at the club. With the completion of your planned changes, I (and many others) will no longer be interested in maintaining my membership. What business sense it makes to drive away a significant number of long-standing members I cannot begin to understand. Please treat this communication as notice of my resignation from the club effective with the change in the number of squash courts.
Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#63 - 3/3 1:08 p.m. Dear Dexter, Leslie and Robert, I am a loyal member of the Boston Sports Club in Waltham, and I have been a member since its inception as HealthPoint. The reason I have been a member is the excellent squash facility you have. I am writing to you to express my dismay at your plan to close two of the squash courts. Squash courts are expensive to build and it would be a great pity if you wasted that asset by converting any courts to another use. By having 5 courts, your club enjoys an advantage that few other clubs have: the ability for members such as myself being able to just turn up at any time and get a game. Because of this, the club has a social aspect that I have not seen in any other club. If 2 courts are removed, you would lose this advantage, and seriously jeopardize the squash program in its entirety. Part of the cost of the whole facility was the squash courts - it would be irresponsible to squander this asset. I understand that your role is to turn a profit for the organization. Squash can be an excellent vehicle for this. You have already seen how the number of squash players and court utilization has increased since a squash pro (Niamat Khan) has been active at the club over the past 8 months - imagine how many more players would join the club if your administration decided to devote some meager resources to the squash program, such as encouraging or sponsoring competitions, which would allow outside players to see the facility. Having squash as one of the activities offered, adds to the luster of your "premier" sports facility, even to people who don't play squash. Having squash available helps to differentiate you from the hundreds of other places which consist of a bunch of exercise machines crowded in a room! I understand that BSC has not had much experience with squash in the past, but there are some of your facilities in other cities which have squash courts, and I'm sure you would be able to confirm what I am saying with them. With a little foresight, squash could become a great profit center for the organization. Cutting back on the number of courts will result in the loss of most of your squash members, for at best an uncertain project. From a personal point of view I would lose an excellent squash facility in a club that I feel very much at home in, which is just the atmosphere I presume Boston Sports Club is trying to create. Please review your decision to close the 2 courts, not only from the point of view of your squash members, but also from the point of view of your organization. With a little foresight squash could become a major attraction of your facility. If you go ahead and close the two courts, you seriously threaten the entire squash program. Please feel free to call me if you would like to discuss this further. My telephone number is (xxx)xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#63 - 3/2 8:49 p.m.
Dear Robert,
We are greatly shocked and concerned to learn that BSC
Waltham may be eliminating two squash courts. Squash is the main attraction
of the Club for us. The only time we can play is 5:00- 8:00 PM, a time
when all five courts are often full. We ask you to maintain all five
courts. We will reconsider our membership if scheduling becomes too
difficult.
Sincerely | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#62 - 3/2 6:19 p.m.
Gentlemen
I understand from Bill Mackey that BSC and its
parent company have given up on squash - shame on you!
Not only have you made a poor business decision
but you have done this in a way that shows utter contempt for your members.
To do this without any form of consultation or explanation is simply
abominable.
In a huge building the size of your facility in
Waltham you should be able to easily find some space that can accomodate
your new-found interest in children's fitness without cutting into the
heavily used squash courts - I for one suggest you do just that and leave
our sport untouched.
I hope to hear very soon that you have reversed
your capricous decision - unless I hear from you within the next month I
shall be cancelling my membership. You will be losing another founding
member of HealthPoint who joined only because of the squash
program.
Yours in great anger and disappointment,
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#61 - 3/2 5:26 p.m.
Dear Sirs,
I am very disappointed with your decision to close two of Waltham's 5 squash courts. This has obviously been made without input or notice to members. I have maintained my membership at Healthpoint solely for the use of the squash courts and its squash program. In the future, should you decide to go forward with this decision you can assume that I will cancel my membership., along with my children's summer memberships. I believe this shows significantly poor judgment on your part and urge you to reconsider. Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#60 - 3/2 3:51 p.m.
I was amazed to
hear about not only the alleged 'business' decision that was made, but most
importantly, HOW it was made (or rather, what reasonable, logical, and
customary considerations were amazingly not taken in the process). In my
business, we consider use of space and the need for 'swing' space and plan
accordingly. We consider who uses the space, what impact (positive and
negative) there may be to actions taken, and carefully and considerately
explore those options. We take great pains to minimize the negative impact
and to understand what 'features' attract our clientele in the first place,
and communicate with any affected personnel. It appears, at least to most
in the squash community, the decision process in this case was woefully
inadequate.
Without getting
into who should legitimately be involved in such a business decision, let me
simply address some of the impact issues.
I joined
Healthpoint nearly 8 years ago primarily because of the squash courts. I am
sorely tempted to consider Concord/Acton (besides, they even have a doubles
squash court). Healthpoint is an expensive club to belong to...doesn't take
too many temptations to consider the alternatives. Squash players, in
general, come from higher income brackets.
I work full
time, and hence, use of squash courts is exclusively nights and weekends.
It is already difficult, particularly on certain nights, to get courts as
all 5 are booked. A big draw for me is league. I understand there are a
number of schools that use the courts during the day. This is a draw and a
marketing tool. It is a motivator to participate in league/team play. It
brings in many players from the greater Boston community to Healthpoint,
many who can and do then consider migrating their own membership as personal
or job circumstances (convenience factors) change. Fewer courts will
decimate the attractiveness of Healthpoint, AND make the scheduling factor a
nightmare. Healthpoint will become one of the clubs with the LEAST number
of courts available for play. Perhaps the decision makers canvassed other
clubs in the Boston community to determine minimal number of courts and/or
ratio of courts to squash members before cavalierly proceeding?
A great number
of people use the squash courts, with probably more 'pick up games' than
'regularly scheduled' games. So, bookings in the calendar are absolutely NO
indication of squash court usage. Had anyone dropped by on a standard and
standing Sat. am round robin, there would be 20-30 players rotating in and
out of the courts in 2 hours (versus the maximum of 10-20 you might
ascertain from the booked courts).
I hope some of
these thoughts will be useful to you as you continue your deliberations.
Please consider the negative impact well.
Sincerely,
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#59 - 3/2 2:06 p.m.
I believe you will
lose more members than money earned, in addition to the general bad will amongst
the entire membership. Many of the unhappy squash members are part of a family
group that will go elsewhere. There is an easier solution, I am sure. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#58 - 3/2 2:06 p.m.
All,
I have been
informed that there are plans to reduce the number of Squash Courts
currently available at one of your Premier Sports Clubs, Healthpoint in
Waltham MA.
I am writing to
share my concern regarding any decision that is made to reduce the level of
court availability at the Waltham site.
I recently
rejoined Healthpoint on a multi year contract solely on the basis of the
Squash facilities. Today the access to the courts is good and encourages
maximum participation. Any reduction to the number of courts that are
available will jeopardize the strong community of loyal Squash players who
regularly attend the variety of sessions that have been established. (Match
nights, round robin events at weekends etc.)
If the number
of Courts that are available to members is reduced I will definetely review
my plans for future membership.
Regards
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#57 - 3/2 1:41 p.m.
I am writing to express my discontent with
the decision made to reduce the number of squash courts at the BSC-
Waltham facility. Reducing the number of courts will devastate the
squash program at the facility and prompt many members to leave for
other clubs, as demand for court time will exceed the supply.
I have belonged to this club since it opened
and have seen the squash community grow quickly over the years to a
point where the number of player's rivals those of the long term
established clubs in the area. This has been accomplished with limited
resources, as the club has never employed a full time pro.
I serve on the board of the MSRA (Mass
Squash Racquets Association)
www.ma-squash.org as webmaster and have gathered information
relative to membership applications submitted to our website for the
past 4 years, which is summarized below. BSC - Waltham is ranked 5th
with regard to applications received during this time frame, while it is
the only club among the top 10 (as listed below) that does not employ a
full time pro. In addition, most of the top 10 clubs employ an
assistant as well.
ALL APPLICATIONS WHERE A CLUB WAS SPECIFIED
* The numbers above do not include BSC
members who are not MSRA members.
The club is ideally located geographically
to attract members. Again, I have enclosed data which shows the first 3
numbers of the zip codes of all MSRA applications. The BSC Waltham
facility is located in the 024XX zip code.
ALL APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS FROM ZIP 024XX ONLY
I should note that the MSRA is one of the
largest SRA's in the United states and is a role model for other SRA's.
The area has a high precentage of universities and prep schools which
have squash programs. The number of squash players locally is growing
and will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.
Please reconsider your decision to reduce
the number of squash courts and consider other options. There must be
other space within the club, or at another facility that could host the
ignite program which you are considering.
Rather than curtailing the squash program,
the club should consider expanding the program. The club can run
tournaments, clinics and summer camps, all of which would add revenue
and attract more members.
Thank you for your consideration.
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#56 - 3/2 12:23 p.m. Dear Dexter, Leslie and Robert, I am joined BSC as a premium member 6 months ago. One of the major reasons for joining as a premium member was the active squash league and availability of squash courts at BSC in Waltham. I was a member of the Longfellow Club in Wayland and did the same thing a few years ago and lost many active members including me as a result of the closing of the courts. I think it is a very short sighted move and would like a response as to the reasons for the closing and what steps can be taken to change BSC's mind. Regards, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#55 - 3/2 11:00 a.m. Dear Dexter, Leslie and Robert, I was quite upset to hear that you are planning to reduce the number of squash courts at BSC-Waltham from five to three. I joined Healthpoint shortly after it opened, specifically because of the five fine squash courts. With just three courts, BSC-Waltham would lose its competitive edge as a squash facility, and I would look seriously elsewhere. It would be incorrect to assume that a reduction from five to three squash courts is no big deal. Already it is difficult to book a court for peak-time play (weekday evenings, weekend mornings); with just three courts it would become a significant frustration. As members leave, it would be difficult to maintain the box league, which I find invaluable in setting up games. There is a very real danger that with just three courts, squash at BSC-Waltham would lose its critical mass and simply wither. The proposal to take two squash courts out of commission is all the more surprising in that the space involved is decidedly modest - just 1,345 square feet - and there appear to be plenty of other potentially usable places (e.g. slice a piece off the children's gym; convert one of the underused basketball courts; use some of the upstairs space; replace the underperforming cafeteria; carve out a room in some of the empty carpeted space downstairs, etc.). It is entirely plausible that the reduction in the number of squash courts would reduce BSC membership by about 100: perhaps 70 players and 30 family members. That has to represent well over $100,000 in annual membership revenue, or a minimum of $1,000 per week per squash court taken out of service. I would be very surprised if the Ignite program could generate this amount of net revenue (per court) on a consistent basis. And even if it could, I would be surprised if all other floor space in the club is this profitable, generating $75 in revenue per square foot per year. I am hoping that the fact that I have not heard directly from BSC about the reduction in the number of squash courts, and the fact that it is not indicated on the Web site, mean that the decision has not yet been confirmed, or at least is not irrevocable. Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#54 - 3/2 9:23 a.m.
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#53 - 3/2 9:02 a.m. Dear Sir/Madam, I am very disappointed with your decision to close two of Waltham's 5 squash courts. For myself and many of your members this has been the attraction of Waltham BSC. In the future, should you decide to go forward with this decision you should assume that myself and my brother, my will cancel their memberships. We can find sufficient sports club resources closer to home. I believe this shows significantly poor judgment on your part and urge you to reconsider. Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#52 - 3/2 8:52 a.m. Hi, I am writing to express my disappointment with the BSC Waltham’s decision to close two of the five existing squash courts in order to make room for a new program. I have been a club member since soon after it was built, and have found that, like hundreds of other members, having access to squash courts makes being a member worthwhile. It is already difficult to get a court at prime times, and this decision will make it significantly harder. I find it hard to believe that there is no other option for finding space for the new kids program, which sounds like a fine program, but should not come at the expense of the huge squash playing community. I strongly encourage the BSC staff and policy makers to find a different creative solution. I noticed that towels appear to be getting laundered by an outside service. How about making the enormous industrial laundry facility into a space for the new program?
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#51 - 3/2 7:51 a.m. I can't tell you how disappointed I am about the potential destruction of two of the squash courts. I joined HP soon after it opened because of the availability of such fine courts. I had left another health club precisely because they had eliminated their courts. That club was less than a 10 minute ride from my home and now despite an inconvenient commute, I feel the squash courts and the camaraderie among the squash players at HP make it worth my time. I have been living outside of the country for the last few years and plan to return to the US in July. High on my agenda was rejoining HP and resuming my schedule of playing squash 2-3 times per week. I have also played league games and during these periods anything less than 5 courts would be a hardship on other regular players. Thank you for you attention to this letter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#50 - 3/2 7:48 a.m. Dexter, Leslie and Robert: I have recently heard of BSC's plan to convert 2
squash courts for other purposes and am concerned that this act will drive away
enough squash players to also cause me and my wife to cancel our membership. I
have been a member since the facility opened and only joined because of the
squash facilities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#49 - 3/2 6:28 a.m.
I write to protest the plans to close squash court 4&5. I have played squash since the opening of the club in Waltham and this would be a huge problem for the players and in my opinion for the club; especially in the big picture. The courts have attracted many players and their friends and closing the court will have a significant negative impact on PR for the club, extending through Boston and beyond. I cannot believe that negative impact, especially on PR and mouth to mouth advertising would be offset by any positives from the use of that space. There have to be other ways to address the issues which led to there plans.
I appeal to the management to use their
executive powers to brainstorm another alternative and leave the squash
courts well alone!! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#48 - 3/1 11:25 p.m. Dear Dexter, Leslie and Robert, I have heard the news that you are planning changes to the squash facilities at BSC Waltham, and I am writing to suggest that this is a serious mistake for your loyal members, and, in the long run, for BSC. I have run several businesses, and I do fully understand the need to make profits, and the need to create clear focus and positioning in a competitive market. But my thoughts on your proposed changes are these:
I think BSC is an excellent organization and I have always been impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of your staff. I really don’t want have to leave. I do hope you will reconsider.
Yours sincerely | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#47 - 3/1 6:06 p.m.
Dear Robert, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#46 - 3/1 5:29 p.m. Dear Sirs, I am very disappointed with your decision to close two of Waltham's 5 squash courts. For myself and many of your members this has been the attraction of Waltham BSC. In the future, should you decide to go forward with this decision you should assume that myself, my spouse, my three children and (likely) my sister and her husband will cancel their memberships. We can find sufficient sports club resources closer to home. I believe this shows significantly poor judgment on your part and urge you to reconsider. Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#45 - 3/1 3:59 p.m.
I am one of the
original members at BSC Waltham back when it was first built. I am stunned
by your recent decision to transform 2 of the five squash courts for another
use. The squash courts are full a large percentage of the time during peak
evening and weekend hrs and are used for local schools for practice and
league games. There are several hundred active squash players and a very
active group of league teams and internal box league.
I hope that you
will reconsider.The basketball courts are more often empty and youth
programs-though valuable-are often transiently used in this capacity. Your
short term revenue bid will likely result in a significant loss of adult
members and probably signal the end of a vibrant program at BSC. If league
play continues no members will have courts during the week . What a poor
decision.
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#44 - 3/1 3:43 p.m.
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#43 - 3/1 3:18 p.m.
It has recently come to my attention that you are planning to convert 2 of
the 5 squash courts to other uses. This is an incredible blow to my use of
the BCS services, and is endangering my continued membership there. I cannot
express strongly enough how unhappy I am with this decision.
I used to be a member of the Framingham Suburban Athletic Club. They, too,
made the decision to convert two of their courts (racquetball, in this
case), to other uses. It was the primary reason for my cancelling my
membership to the club and deciding to travel to Waltham instead of using
their facilities. There were two problems with the decision. First, it
reduced the number of courts below the "critical mass" needed to sustain the
membership they had -- difficulties in scheduling courts and frustration
with the club led a large number of their players to quit. This was the
primary reason I chose to change sports -- having a large, vibrant community
to play with is critical.
The second problem was evident when I returned 8 years later to play again
as a "guest". I discovered that there were virtually no new racquetball
playing members, and the members who remained there only stayed because they
had no other place to play in the area. They actually made a joke: "why
would you come back here to play?" There is a very fine line between an
active, vital group of members and a stagnant, discouraged group, and I
think this decision is quite likely to cause the BSC squash membership to
flip.
I definitely will be looking into all other clubs in the Cambridge and
Boston areas to compare both prices and quality of membership as a result
of your decision, an action I would never have considered had you left the 5
courts there. And if I'm able to find a better alternative I would
not hesitate to recruit as many other players as possible to switch clubs
along with me.
Please reconsider this decision. I think the squash players at the club are
a great group of people who add a lot to the club, and I would hate to see
them, and myself, leave as a result of this decision.
Best regards,
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#42 - 3/1 1:42 p.m. Dear BSC Executives,
Recently, I heard you plan to close to squash courts at the BSC location in
Waltham and use the space for other purposes. As fervent squash players, we
kindly ask you to reconsider your plans as it will jeopardize the benefit we
get from our premium BSC membership.
I joined BSC in Waltham shortly after moving to the Boston area in 2005.
When looking for a sports club, I found many undifferentiated clubs with the
usual exercise equipment and services, who compete on price. Members
typically show up in their sports gear with iPods or other electronic gear
in their ears to shut off from the outside world, including the other
members. Other prominent attributes are the numerous mirrors, used to admire
their own physique.
Unfortunately, these self focussed "exercises" do not excite us much. In
fact, the squash courts allowed me and my family to develop a new network of
friends in the area. This feature greatly differentiates your product and
worth the premium pricing. Given the large size of the squash community, and
the frequent use even with the current 5 courts, we fear that reducing the
number of courts down to 3, while adding more ego focussed "smoke and
mirrors" is not an attractive value proposition to us.
Again, we kindly ask you to reconsider reducing the number of squash courts
at BSC Waltham.
Best regards,
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#41 - 3/1 12:20 p.m. Robert, Dexter and Leslie: I have been informed of your plans to eliminate two out of the five squash courts at Healthpoint. I am writing to you to express my disappointment, anger, and frustration over this decision. This is a horrible decision for the members, and for your business! Did you know that (provided by USSRA research:)
2. Influential, affluent and well educated people play squash and they are passionate about this sport and committed to their clubs. 3. 52% of players play in the Northeast!
I am at Women's A player in MA. My office is next door and I love the idea that these courts are so accessible. I bring my children on the weekends to HP to swim and to hit the ball around (when I can get a court!). The courts are very busy-- between the court time that you provide to outside private schools in the late afternoons as well as constant activity in the evenings and weekend. I believe that providing only three courts to this active community of players would only cause more headaches for you and lots of complaints. Ultimately, it would result in a lot less members coming to your club-- not to mention a bitter taste in everyone's mouth for the lack of communication that you have displayed to inform the squash members… You have everything at the club to allow the squash community to GROW ! People who play squash have MONEY… They buy products, they take lessons, they want a club that has everything else that they want (pool, decent locker rooms, etc) and are willing to pay for them! If you eliminate the two extra courts, the EASE of accessing a court diminishes-- and you will LOSE these members. The squash community is an incestuous bunch-- we love attracting fellow players and take great pride in our clubs. Squash is GROWING! While I know you have done your own research to estimate how many children will participate in your new fitnesss plan within the designated space, I tend to doubt the level of attraction it will present to your target market. Kids are busy with school and extra curricular activities. Only the very best within their sports would consider taking time out to take these special classes. High schools have their own facilities and are more focused on fitness now for their athletes. I personally know that I would NOT bring my kids over for this fitness class as they would be BORED. And, quite frankly, it is ONE MORE PLACE for me to bring them to! No way… Maybe it is more of a summer program? If so, maybe we can come up with a happy medium where u can convert the courts BACK to the squsah courts for the prime squash season (SEPT-APRIL)? Just a thought… Losing these two courts will surely allow u to lose a LOT of the squash members. Apparently u need about 1 court for every 60 players (at least). Why not eliminate 20% of the fitness equipment space instead? Or, expand out on the building? You have so much space around here! How about using the Celtic's HALF OF THE BUILDING-- it would be nice for them to give back to the community and to the club! I would imagine that their workout space is empty most of the time! I am also amazed that BSC sponsors the US Open-- the major pro squash event held in Boston ever year-- but cannot see the value of maintaining the courts in Waltham! I have run into a number of players at the club this week-- and we are all devistated by this news. You have no idea what impact it will have on our lives and livelihood. For me, the ease of accessing the club and the courts is everything. Now, I need to find a new club. I hope that you will strongly RECONSIDER this decision.
Since we already see you moving things into one of the courts, it is clear that
this decision has already been made. If there is a chance -- please hear us out.
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#40 - 3/1 12:20 p.m.
Dexter:
I joined BSC Waltham last summer with the sole
objective of participating in an active squash program at a facility that
seemed to be committed to the sport. The number and quality of the courts
at the facility were an integral part of my decision. I have previously
left two other fitness clubs that made decisions to turn squash courts to
other uses. Since being a member of BSC Waltham I have come to
recognize that its squash community is both large and passionate. Your
decision to reduce the number of available courts by 40% will, I am certain,
have a serious impact on the ability of your many squash playing members.
I, for one, will discontinue my membership if getting squash time at BSC
becomes a chore. I should note that even now, with five courts, the hours
that I wish to play are not available at least half the time.
If you have not already done so, I encourage you
to look very hard at alternative spaces for your youth performance programs
and to evaluate seriously the potential impact on your membership of a mass
defection of disgruntled squash players.
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#39 - 3/1 11:27 a.m. I am writing you to express vehement dissatisfaction with the decision to close two squash courts at BSC Waltham. I am not sure what could possibly motivate this ludicrous move on the part of BSC/Town Sports, but I can assure you this will hit you on the bottom line. There are many members who joined simply because of the growing population of squash players and vibrant instruction program. The courts are used heavily after work hours and on weekends. The decision to close more than 1/3 of the courts projects a corporate undervaluing of our memberships. At a minimum, BSC/Town Sports should have surveyed its membership before making this move. As a businessperson, I would have respected the opportunity to listen and exchange ideas about the financial merits and sacrifices the led to this decision. Youth sports at a health club like BSC…are you kidding?? Why don’t you build an extension off the building or convert the second floor hallway to youth space? On a personal note, I maintain two adult and three kid memberships all predicated on playing squash on weeknights and weekends. I consider this decision by BSC to be a breach of contract and an astonishingly poor business decision. Please reconsider your decision quickly, because the continuing membership of many people like me is by no means guaranteed. Respectfully,
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#38 - 3/1 11:16 a.m. Dear Town Sports management! I have got a message saying that you are in a process of removing 2 out of the 5 squash courts available in the Waltham, MA Health Club facility. As many other members I am very surprised of such a decision being made without performing any kind of survey and if not that at least some sort of advance notice to the squash community. The squash courts are the main reason I have joined the Boston Sports Club and and I pay the Premium Membership. I must say that I am very dissatisfied with the way I am (not) approached considering the prestige the club is trying to impose on its potential members before they join and the amount of money it collects from its membership charges after they join. I will definitely consider alternative options as this kind of approach is definitely not what I would expect.
I am awaiting your reply and an official
statement on the matter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#37 - 3/1 10:51 a.m. Dexter, Leslie and Robert, I am a long time member of BSC Waltham and have been very active in the squash program. After having played squash competitively in college and in the early 90’s, I moved to the Boston area and played at various clubs including Cambridge Racquet and Fitness and the Squash Club in Allston. The very reason I joined Healthpoint in 2001 was to take advantage of the excellent courts available, even though back then the squash program and # of players was quite small. Over the years, I have seen the squash playing member community grow in size, level of activity and enthusiasm. Not only have we lured squash players from other clubs in the area to BSC Waltham, but also seen many non-playing members becoming squash players within the club. This has enabled BSC Waltham to become one of the most vibrant and strong squash communities in the Boston area, and the top club for squash in the western suburbs. I was very disheartened and frankly upset to hear that we might be losing 2 of the 5 courts at the club. After having seen the club grow its squash membership and activity to where it is today, this will be a huge blow to that effort and community. Not only will the club lose its momentum in building a much larger membership based on its squash facilities, but shrink the current membership that value squash as the primary reason for belonging to BSC Waltham. I speak for myself and many other members when I say the club will be jeopardizing a large membership base by eliminating 2 of the 5 squash courts, and also giving up a significant potential upside in future memberships based on the momentum of the squash program to attract and retain new members to BSC Waltham. I sincerely hope this decision is reconsidered.
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#36 - 3/1 9:38 a.m.
Sirs:
I have been a member of BSC Waltham for a number of years, and while I make
use of the entire facility, my major interest is in playing squash. I am one
of those players who enjoys the ease and practicality of being able to
simply show up at Healthpoint to play squash with any of a number of fellow
players on an ad-hoc basis. I rarely actually book a court, but play several
times a week. This is a common practice among many of us who enjoy the
knowledge that "pick-up" games are usually available without specifically
booking a court, but with the knowledge that a number of friends and
comrades will be there as well. And that courts are also available to be
shared among all of us. These qualities make Healthpoint a comfortable,
convivial and practical club for those of us with unpredictable business
schedules, but with an eagerness to play squash whenever possible.
Unfortunately, this ideal setup apparently has a downside: it understates
the amount of time during which the courts are actually in use and the
degree to which many of us rely on the flexibilty of the current system. I
suspect that this undercounting, may in part have led you to misunderstand
the importance of the courts to a considerable number of club members and
perhaps to the economic health of the club itself. For I, like many others,
will begin to look for alternatives to Healthpoint should the proposed
reduction in courts actually occur. I suspect that between the 150 or more
members who are primarily "squash members", we might be resourceful enough
to find an alternative site at which to continue our activities. While
remaining at BSC would be preferable, another club would be the best option
should your decision to reduce the number of courts be enacted. Please
reconsider.
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#35 - 3/1 9:04 a.m.
I was surprised
and disappointed to hear BSC Waltham is considering plowing under two of the
squash courts in early May. I moved to BSC two years ago from Maugus Club
because the squash community was vibrant and larger than in other venues. I
have served as captain in the 4.0 League this year (we are a strong team and
have secured a playoff berth) and know of several members who have joined
(and plan to join) because of the squash facilities. Niamet Khan's presence
has also increased the interest, vitality, and profile of those using the
squash facility. Having three courts would have the effect of shutting down
weekday evening play because league would take up two courts and that would
only leave one for lessons or routine play for the entire membership of the
club. The people who I play with do not use BSC for other fitness
activities. I believe if this ill conceived plan is implemented BSC will
have added pressure on the remaining courts that may prevent robust league
participation, will eventually cause Niamet to look for other venues, cause
a significant drop in club use, and ultimately decrease membership.
The squash
community is passionate, and I may add spends money where there passion is.
I think BSC's business would be better served by thinking of creative ways
to generate more revenue (with very little capital investment) from an
established group with proven longevity. I respectfully ask that you
reconsider this decision and you step back and reevaluate the impact of
these decisions on an established and growing portion of the athletic club
community.
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#34 - 3/1 8:54 a.m.
Hello,
I wanted to
drop you a note about your program and decisions regarding what to
cannibalize in the club to make it happen. I think this is a great program
but business wise squash is much more popular, there for generating more
memberships. I know that is why I joined this club. I have other clubs that
are much closer to Arlington including your Lexington location but no
squash. There is a large community of members that play squash on a daily
basis and I am one of them. I don't appreciate the sudden action no
notification or anything. I believe the best way to have approached this is
through a short survey of our community. There is plenty of space else where
for what ever you will place in the two squash courts. There are a few of us
that feel our space is invaded and I just wanted to communicate that to you.
Thanks
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#33 - 3/1 8:05 a.m. Dear Madame and Sirs: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#32 - 3/1 7:38 a.m.
I recently became aware of
your decision to eliminate 1-2 squash courts from Waltham BSC. I’m sure this
was a well thought out decision and respect your needs to improve your
business. I only hope you can find other areas of the gym to use to
accomplish your goals. Please be aware that if the court time becomes very
limited due to reduced number I know of many other members, like myself, who
will terminate memberships. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#31 - 3/1 7:38 a.m. Dear Sirs: I joined BSC - Waltham in January of 2006 together with my wife and two kids. Together we pay about $300/month. With the passing of time, we seem to get less and less for that money though. Twice already you have reduced the recreational swimming hours of the exercise pool to free the schedule for a few paying swim lessons. It seemingly does not count that up to 2 dozen children and their parents gather on the week-ends during recreational swimming hours and that 1-2 swim lessons are more important to your bottom line than meeting the needs of your regular members. Twice I have written to the pool manager to this regard, who has either brushed me off or failed to respond at all. At Kidspoint, outside birthday parties are starting earlier and competing with regular members. Now I heard you want to reduce the number of squash courts from 5 to 3. Don't you understand the concept of critical mass? With just 3 courts, there won?t be enough courts to play during peak hours (6:00-9:00). Do you really expect people to leave work at 4:00 so that they can play? They will leave BSC - Waltham instead, as will I. Consider how many swim lessons you need to book, to make up for the $300 you will loose. Interestingly, new sports facilities are becoming available in the market. Concord?s Beede Center is an attractive alternative to BSC ? Waltham. It is significantly cheaper, newer and closer for us. The only draw back HAD BEEN, its lack of squash courts. Thanks for leveling the playing field and making my decision to switch a lot easier. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#30 - 3/1 7:27 a.m.
Greetings,
I was deeply distraught to learn of your plans to close two of Healthpoint's
five squash courts in the coming months. When I signed up to be a member of
this facility, it was the accessible squash that convinced me to pay your
fees, which are way too high for a gym alone. A facility without squash is
worthless to me, and while I understand that there will still be three
courts, the demand is far too great to be met with only three courts, and
securing playing times will become extremely difficult. Of course, based on
the reaction I have seen so far, that might not be a problem, since much of
the squash community will be terminating their memberships.
I wanted to inform you that if this plan goes forward, I, too, will be
canceling my membership at Healthpoint, effective the day the courts are
removed.
In addition to my disappointment about the courts themselves, I am further
disappointed in Healthpoint management for marginalizing a significant
portion of its community and utterly failing to research the impact its
decision would have on a large and dedicated group of long-time members.
Regards,
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#29 - 3/1 4:33 a.m. I am writing to express
my disappointment in BSC for its decision to reduce the number of squash courts
at BSC-Healthpoint in Waltham. I was a member of this club for many years and
up until a couple of months ago. I was planning to return to the club once my
travel and work schedule allowed me to spend more time at home. Should this
decision to reduce the # of courts prevail, I will not be returning to
BSC-Healthpoint. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#28 - 2/28 9:37 p.m. Gentlemen I am writing to express my distress – as well as the assumption that I will be resigning – from Healthpoint if you follow through with your decision to eliminate two squash courts. Since hearing the news I have been trying to understand how the decision was made to take the courts and I have concluded that you must have made this decision based on visits to the courts during the regular work day. If you visit the courts in the evening – 5:30 to 8 – or Saturday and Sunday mornings, you would see people standing around waiting for a court. Squash players tend to be working professionals who use the courts after work and in the mornings on the weekends. Although, on the other hand I was playing a match at lunch today and all courts were in use at noon, with two players waiting for a court. Even court reservations don’t tell the story because part of the allure of the intense work out possible from squash is to take your racket over and look for a pick-up game during peak periods. A three court squash club doesn’t “work”. A squash club has to have four courts or more. Less than that, the dynamic in terms of who can play when gets skewed. A group of Healthpoint members are in various local squash leagues from October through March with various men’s teams and at least one women’s Healthpoint team who must play “home” matches reserving two courts. I do believe a squash club can survive with four courts and while I appreciate the luxury of Healthpoint’s five courts, I think that your squash membership would stay relatively intact if you had to take away a court. But taking two courts eviscerates your squash membership. For what it’s worth, I believe your squash membership is at the highest paying level and that we are a very consistent bunch. We don’t enroll and then drift away from the club. We tend to use the Club’s masseuses a lot because this is a punishing game. We are apt to have our spouses as members too, even if they aren’t squash players in order to ensure family “parity”. For my part, I have belonged to Boston Sports Club for at least fourteen years, joining Healthpoint/BSC six years ago. If Healthpoint takes two courts away from its squash playing membership there will be a substantial decline in membership. n.b. you have A LOT of members who consider themselves squash players who don’t play all that often. However, if they feel that Healthpoint no longer offers that squash dynamism, they will move to Concord-Acton, the University Club, Tennis and Racquet Club, and Maugus. FYI – I played a league match last night at Maugus with my team from Healthpoint and two of my team mates told our opponents that if Healthpoint cuts the number of squash courts to three, they would be joining Maugus. Gentlemen, I hope that this letter will be taken with the seriousness of intent with which it is written. I will be interested in hearing your response.
Thank you very much. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#27 -
2/28 8:42 p.m.
Dear All, I never thought I would have to write this letter but I find I have to point out the effects your decision will have if you follow through - and the opportunity you could so easily miss. I support every point made by my colleague Nathan Liskov and have some to add. I joined BSC Healthpoint in 2002 because it is such an excellent facility and specifically for the squash. I speak as an active player who has also captained and played on three teams in the time since then and therefore has a sense of HP's facilities and standing relative to other clubs in the area. Dropping from 5 courts to 3 will break the squash community, atmosphere, teams and membership at HP - and maybe that is the plan. Already the reaction of colleagues on the 2.5 team is universally negative - clear and immediate decisions to leave and go elsewhere to clubs where squash membership and playing is valued. I include myself in this. Your decision will lead rapidly to half the 250 or so squash members leaving and taking their membership fees with them. I understand your role as "managers" is to serve your masters but I also happen to believe it is to serve your members. There is no evidence of the latter here. To the contrary, there is evidence of a callous and destructive disregard. More important, there is no evidence of understanding the potential that exists at HP to raise revenues through squash - and yes to still do the other things you want to do.
So you have a choice. You can either wreck squash at HP and - in doing so - do a dis-service to the community around you or - with little expenditure - you can build it, and with that HP's revenues (and your reputations and job security?), in doing so meeting a need this region is crying out for. You can either explain to your masters why your revenues from membership have suddenly dropped (plus probably those from schools hiring the courts) and how your new plans are going to offset all this, (maybe you will break even?), or you can present them with a win win plan for growth.
On behalf of myself, my team mates and I believe all the players at HP from 5 to 75, I ask you to consider very seriously the stark choice you have in front of you. I am prepared to help in any way I can if you are willing to build not wreck. Again I am sure I speak for many other HP squash members when I say that. And note, many HP squash players are (excuse the pun) "heavy hitters" who can bring to bear a great deal by way of ideas and resources. Do you want them to still be members?
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#26 -
2/28 6:02 p.m.
Mr Guardinia, Given the amount of space at BSC Waltham, it is very hard to understand how these two squash courts could have been selected as the designated area for your new programs. I request that you reconsider this decision and not alienate a large segment of the Waltham membership. Thank you, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#25
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2/28 1:02 p.m. The decision to eliminate two courts at Healthpoint is ill-considered. Healthpoint is strategically located in an area with a large number of squash players. This includes both adults and young players who are aware of the importance of squash to the Ivy League institutions. With only minimal attention to developing a program it could have been the largest squash program in the greater Boston area. Unfortunately, squash ay Healthpoint has suffered from chronic neglect by management. This is too bad since squash players are fanatical enthusiasts for their sport and tend to be loyal club members. As it is, there are not enough court facilities at peak times, and any further loss of courts will certainly drive me away, and I am certain that the same is true of are large percentage of the 250 squash playing members. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#24
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2/28 12:41 p.m. Why not promote HP as a premier squash facility and do your best to encourage squash programs here? This might bring in enough new members to more than compensate for any additional perceived income in your current plan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#23 -
2/28 12:25 p.m. Dear Sirs and Madame, I am a member of BSC Healthpoint that joined specifically because of the excellent squash courts. I play 2- 3 times a week and am the captain of the Open 2.5 squash league and compete in the State Championships in the 65+ age group. My wife is also a member and she regularily uses a personal trainer. I regularly take squash lessons from Naimet Khan. The squash courts at HP are a unique facility and as far as I know these are the only squash courts at any BSC club in the greater Boston area. HP has had the reputation of being "best of breed" of the health clubs in the area and a high class club. Needless to say I am very upset at your plan to remove two courts. In particular, I do not believe that we can have a viable squash program nor can we retain the great squash community we have at HP with only three courts. Squash leagues require two courts, leaving only one court for the rest of the members when a match is occurring. We have matches at 7 pm, 3 or 4 nights a week, and this is one of the peak times for play. Note also that all courts are typically in use at peak times such as weekdays after work, weekend mornings and lunchtime almost every day. There is no doubt that you will lose squash-playing members with only three courts. We have about 250 members in the squash playing community and you could lose well more that 100 members is the courts are reduced to three - maybe more due to the loss of the critical size of the community. With a smaller community of players, it will be more difficult to support league teams. I like to come to HP at various times and pick up a game. We have a large and friendly group (e.g. round robins Sat morning) where good players are happy to play with all comers, thus encouraging lesser players. With fewer courts and a smaller community, I am concerned that we may lose many of our better members. I note that you have rented out the courts to prep schools during early afternoon hours when court usage is light. With only three courts, that source of income may be lost. I have been at the courts when the prep schools were working out and all the courts were in use, some with more that two players doing drills - so I don't think they can do with ouly three courts. I have belonged to a number of racquetball clubs that removed courts to install exercise machines. While not making excuses for these clubs, they were typically lower class clubs that were marginally viable and they had very little floor space available. (I do not belong to any of these clubs anymore, but am a member of another club that has racquetball courts and I play there two times a week). However, HP is a high class club with ample floor space and BSC with its many clubs is hopefully not a marginal operation. I'm sure that you can find some space somewhere in your large facility (or in another BSC facility) without destroying squash courts and runining the squash community here. HP is a premium facility for which we we pay a premium rate (higher that at other BSC clubs). I do not know the economics upon which you are making your decision, but I hope you will not go through with your plan even if theoretically your paper projections will indicated some additional income. I do not want to leave HP. I enjoy the squash community and HP is a good location for me. Please do not remove squash courts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#22 -
2/28 10:38 a.m. I am writing a letter to them letting them know I am resigning and will move to either the Maugus club or the Harvard club. With only 3 courts, during league season, it pretty much means there will be only one court available for free play on most weeknights. That is unreasonable. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#21
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2/28 10:31 a.m. Dear Mr. Dexter, It just came to my attention that a decision to eliminate two of five squash courts has been made. A pivotal reason I remain at Waltham is that I love squash. Scheduling a court can be very taxing because there are many who enjoy this game and most want to play at the same times. I currently have a shoulder injury and I definitely keep hope because I anticipate recovery and playing squash. But will I be able to get a court? I have a premium membership and believe that my interests and concerns are not of much value at BSC. A case in point would be the way Tai Chi/Qigong was eliminated despite a regular following and apparent lack of management interest in our concerns. What is the mission of BSC? Clearly profit is one goal. However making us feel like managers (in New York?) make decisions without concern for the health and satisfaction of all members is disappointing if not maddening. I would not only like to see this decision reversed but I would appreciate a reply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#20 - 2/27 8:59 p.m.
BSC/Town Sports People: I have been a member at Healthpoint/BSC Waltham since the fall of 2000. I joined mainly because of the squash courts and play 3-4 times a week. I enjoy the game immensely not to mention the camaraderie with my fellow players. It has been recently been brought to my attention that courts 4 & 5 are to be "re-claimed" by BSC for use in a youth sports program. Frankly, I'm dismayed and disappointed by this action as I am not a corporate member and pay what I believe to be a full membership every month. I assume that for this same membership fee I'll have less of a chance to book a court at a time convenient to my schedule due to there only being 3 courts for the same squash playing membership which I have noticed has been growing over the last 7 years. Aside from players scrambling to book courts for recreational play, the MSRA League will be impacted by this decision as well, not to mention court time available for lessons. Last week I witnessed a "full house" at 5pm on a Thursday. I play at this time quite regularly and was surprised at how busy it was. Not 1 or 2 courts but all 5 were being used. I'm not sure what youth sports program you have in mind but perhaps you might consider leaving the courts as they are and introduce squash to these kids. It's a better workout than lifting weights and a lot more fun. When I first joined back in 2000, the upstairs exercise area was for adults and kids. Bump the adults from the upstairs (where I like to workout before playing) and give it exclusively to the kids. I'd gladly use the weight machines downstairs if I thought it would save 2 squash courts. In closing, let me say that when I got to the courts today I bumped into two other players who spoke of quitting the club in reaction to your decision...what a shame. Please re-think this plan. Respectfully, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#19 - 2/27 7:37 p.m. Dear Dexter, Leslie, and Robert, I could hardly believe my ears when I heard yesterday that we are to lose two of the squash courts at HealthPoint. I am sure that the Ignite-Youth Sports Performance Program is a worthy cause but to reduce the squash capacity by 40% in order to accommodate it seems a pity to me. It doesn’t matter what time I go down to play squash, there are always people there. I cannot imagine how frustrating it is going to be now with an average of more than 80 registered squash-playing members trying to get on each court! What is more, you have a vibrant squash community at HealthPoint with some very good players and a tremendous level of commitment. I gather that we had no warning of this decision which says a lot about what the Management of HealthPoint thinks about us. And I guess that to vote with our feet is the only response we can give to this short-sighted and unfortunate decision.
Yours truly, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#18
- 2/27 5:29 p.m. Dear Dexter, I have recently learned that two of the squash courts are being taken off line in order to accommodate a new youth sports program. In fact, just this morning I witnessed that court #5 is already being stocked with equipment. I am a regular squash player at BSC and I in fact joined BSC primarily to play squash. I use the other equipment and enjoy the facilities, but it is the squash and the 250 member squash community that compels me to come to the club. I and other squash players were entirely unaware of the clubs decision to take TWO courts off line. I am disappointed that the courts are gone and I am also disappointed that there was no dialogue or even notice about the club's decision. I would never make a decision that affects so many paying customers in my business without at least giving them notice and explaining to them why and when I had made this decision. I would like to think that other areas of the club were considered as well and that perhaps the squash courts were for any number of reasons not the first choice.I don't expect to leave the club because of this decision; however, I will now be more open to considering other clubs that consider squash and communication with its customers to be a higher priority than does BSC. Best Regards, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#17 - 2/27 4:07 p.m. I am writing to you to express how disappointed I was upon learning that two of the squash courts at BSC Waltham are going to be converted for other uses. My decision to join the club was based on the number and quality of the squash courts. I was also assured a vital and active squash community. Because I joined just three months ago, I can't help but feel I was misled. Given the large piece of real estate of this particular facility, I find it extremely difficult to believe that these courts are the only places available to you. I've been pretty happy with BSC, and feel the clubs are clean and well run. The towels are a little skimpy, but that's another story. I do hope that you will reconsider this decision. Thank you in advance for your consideration. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#16 - 2/27 1:20 p.m. I am writing to express my concern over the decision to eliminate two squash courts at the BSC Waltham facility. I have been playing squash there for some years (with a few injury related hiatuses) and it is the main reason that I joined and continue my membership at the club. The facility is exceptional, and having the five courts means that there is a critical mass of both players and courts for those busy evening and weekend times when groups of players show up and play informal round robin matches with each other. From speaking with other players, I know that the courts and facility are a draw for persons living quite far away, but who are willing to make the trip to find a game. Contracting the number of courts may end this level of commitment to and membership in the club. Surely, the farthest corner of the club at the edge of the basketball court is suboptimal for a youth program, and one can only wonder that the commitment to squash and its presence at the club is in jeopardy. What can we do to find an alternative solution to eliminating the courts? I think you will find that there is a dedicated group of squash enthusiasts of all ages who are loyal fans and willing to get involved to find an alternative to the current plans. I count myself as one of them, I look forward to your response. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#15 - 2/27 10:55 a.m. I am really upset that this decision has been made and is in implementation status without any consultation with those of us who use the club to play squash. What an insult! I don't think the 3 courts that remain will be sufficient for the number of players that use the courts, including the leagues that many of us play in. But it doesn't appear that you have even taken the trouble to review this. It appears to be the case that you don't care about maintaining squash at the club and that squash members aren't worth the bother. The club has a teaching pro now who has really been building up a clientele. This has to be helping the club and certainly is building up squash there, but this is going to derail that. There won't be enough court time. For my case, the only reason I am a member is because the club has squash courts. In view of this I will start looking elsewhere for a place to play. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#14 - 2/27 10:14 Dexter, Leslie, Robert, I recently found out about the conversion of two of the squash courts to workout studios. While I understand there might have been a business reason to do this, it would have been much better to put up notices and inform folks playing squash before doing this. I certainly did not hear of this plan when I joined last month, so if the plans were firming up by then, I would have preferred to hear that there were going to be only 3 and not 5 squash courts. As I mentioned before, it is your decision to make, but letting folks who use the court know beforehand seems like a simple courtesy to offer and makes us feel like you do care about us. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#13 - 2/27 10:12 Please accept this email as a protest to the recently announced decision to remove 2 of the 5 squash courts. Since you may not have directly consulted the squash community at Waltham, you may not realize how robust and active squash is, with:
That all said, I can understand that BSC are a profit-driven company. While I may dispute the entire "Ignite" concept (and as a parent to three kids who will in a few years be in your targeted consumer segment, I have discrete thoughts that I'd be happy to share in another forum), I hope you find success in that endeavor. However, I fail to see why BSC must make Ignite and squash mutually exclusive alternatives. I propose a couple alternatives to immediately closing down 2 courts:
Thank you for your time and attention. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#12 - 2/27 10:07 a.m. Hello, I understand that you have unilaterally decided to eliminate 2 squash courts at this location. This will affect the play experience of many regular members of the Waltham facility.
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#11 - 2/27 10:02 a.m. I was stunned and saddened by your email. My membership, coming up for 2 years at the end of March, was based solely on the squash facilities and the box league. It is a great credit to you personally and I should like to take this opportunity to thank you for your tireless work in keeping it going so smoothly. I was at the club this morning and took the opportunity this morning to confirm your email. I spoke with a manager (I believe it was Dexter), who was unapologetic about the loss of the courts, somewhat curt and arrogant and showed less customer service skills than a teenage on his first day at McDonalds! Needless to say I got no where, I thus expect not to renew my membership at the end of the month (for both me and my wife). I will continue playing squash but at another club and would welcome your recommendations. To be clear, this is not my preferred choice but such poor management does not deserve to stay in business and I for one will vote with my feet. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#10 - 2/27 9:59 a.m. Ladies, Gentlemen: I am totally disappointed, dismayed, and shocked to hear of the plans to close two of our squash courts at BSC / Waltham . This will have a significant impact upon our community of active squash players. I will strongly reconsider my membership status if this does in fact occurr. Many of us young parents enjoy the opportunity to play squash Weekend mornings and have our kids play in the nearby KidsCenter gym. If you close 2 courts down there many players will be squeezed out during this busy time for squash. I hope you wil not proceed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#9 - 2/27 9:58 a.m. I am deeply concerned about the news I have heard regarding removing two of the squash courts at the Waltham Mass HealthPoint BSC facility. The only justification I have for spending $110 a month is the availability of the squash courts. I am now strongly considering joining another club and regret the relationships I am going to lose with fellow squash players. I am sure you will be losing a number of members due to this decision, as well as leaving the rest quite unhappy. I find it hard to believe that the new program/facility that will be replacing the two squash courts can not be constructed elsewhere on the property. Thank you for your time, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#8 - 2/27 9:44 a.m. The very first thing I request is that you reduce my membership fees (along with the other 250 active squash members of the Waltham BSC) by 2/5ths. I signed up to play squash with 5 courts, not 3 courts. Please confirm back by email to me that this will be done immediately. Secondly, your actions are inexcusable from a curtesy point of view. Why was there no consultation or notice given to any of us before this action was taken? You didn't ask for any feedback from over 250 members of one of your facilities about actions you must have known would not be welcomed. Last of all, how do envisage this is going to work? Several nights per week over the past number of years that I have played squash at BSC Waltham, the courts have been full from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. People are waiting to get on court. The same applies Saturday mornings. School children take up the courts weekday afternoons also - all 5 courts. Do you really think all these people will now simply wait further inline to get onto a court - it just won't happen. You are effectively eliminating a large number of memberships by your actions as people (probably me included) will go to competing squash club facilities in the area. Very hard to understand your business ethics and decision making process. You have certainly created a very high level of ill will amongst the Boston area squash community. Regards, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#7 - 2/27 9:19 a.m. Dear Dexter, Leslie and Robert, As a current active squash member of BSC Waltham, I am very troubled by your plans to remove 2 of the squash courts for other uses. As I am sure you know, obtaining squash court time is already difficult due to the active nature of your squash contingent. The 5 courts are consistently booked during prime time 5-8 pm during 'prime time'. Removal of two courts would obviously make this even more difficult and lead to a degradation of the squash program and members. For myself personally, I committed to 2 year membership for myself and my wife based on the fact that the club has these 5 courts available. I will surely now break out of that committment at the end of this squash season due to this change in your facilities, and will likely find another club. Or alternatively, will ask for a 40% reduction in fees seeing as you are making the chance of obtaining a squash court 40% more difficult. I can only imagine how many of the other ~250 squash members will react to the conversion. I'm no businessman, but since your company is a business, I hope that you have factored in your inevitable loss of membership after this change occurs. Lastly, I was notified by one of your members Bill Mackey that this court conversion is to take place. I am disappointed by your decision to do this 1) without input from members and 2) without even notifying members that this will take place. Surely if you removed 40% of the workout floor, or 40% of the swimmable pool, you would be notifying your membership of these changes. Best Regards, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#6 - 2/27 9:11 a.m. Dear Leslie Crossen: I have heard through the grapevine that we will be losing two squash courts in Waltham. I'm not sure if you're the correct person to write to, but I cc'd two other managers. I've been a member for about four years, and specifically joined because of your squash facilities. My son also uses the kidscenter, and my wife joined for a year before stopping. I think this experience is typical--the squash courts attract members. I'm deeply distressed by the plans to close two squash courts. I'm not aware of any attempt to solicit opinions from the members or advance warning of an imminent decision. In fact, as far as I can tell there is nobody in the administration at Waltham who is interested in the squash program. If one of the managers has that responsibility, they have yet to show up in the squash area to say hi, and the people at the front desk don't know the manager's name either. Because of this benign neglect, the regular squash players have become a tight-knit community, arranging games and round robins on their own. Now, with only three courts, there will probably be a serious court shortage at prime times (i.e. weekend mornings, and weeknights 5-8). I think the squash experience will go seriously downhill. If my fears are realized, I expect a mass exodus of squash-playing members, myself included. It seems to me that the gym has underutilized space in the back half of kidscenter, and some of the exercise studios. I'm not sure if this decision is based on real space needs, or just the lack of anyone in the administration who is involved with the squash-playing members. If the squash players were nurtured instead of marginalized, you could probably add a significant number of members. I don't know how to run your business, but I do know that nobody has paid attention to the squash area for years. I hope that if this matter is considered carefully, you will realized that there will be a significant impact on membership in Waltham. I would appreciate a reply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#5 - 2/27 8:56 a.m. Dear Sirs: I am appalled that you have reached a decision to close two squash courts at BSC/Waltham: I ask you to reconsider. There is a large and vibrant squash community that exists there. Most of the squash members only belong because of the squash courts. Five high quality courts places BSC/Waltham as one of the top squash clubs in the Boston area. Three courts, from a sports club competitive standpoint is simply average. More importantly from a player's standpoint, three courts are simply insufficient to support the current size of the squash playing members. You can be sure that you will lose significant current membership because of this decision. The only reason I belong to BSC/Waltham is because of squash - if the conversion proceeds it is very likely that I will not in the future. Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#4 - 2/27 8:16 a.m. It was with great distress that I learned that two of the squash courts at the Waltham branch of Boston Sports Clubs are due to be converted for other uses. While the youth sports program may be a necessary one, the decision to convert the existing squash courts is a decision I take issue with. The five squash courts see quite a bit of usage, from an active squash community of over 250 members. In addition to a ladder based box league, we also have round robin days, and intra club squash tournaments. Consider that the Waltham branch is a premium club, and as such, I would not expect such decision to be made without consulting its members. Squash is the only reason for my membership with BSC, and I would not be surprised if this is the case as well with many of the other members. Fortunate for us squash players in Massachusetts, there are many viable, non BSC alternative clubs for play (while not as convenient). I hope that you will keep this in mind, and consider other ways of using other existing space without marginalizing a loyal segment of your consumers. Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#3 -
2/27 7:41 a.m.
Dear Dexter, Leslie, and Robert: I was disappointed to learn that TSI has decided to convert Healthpoint Courts 4 and 5. I upgraded my W. Newton only membership so that I could play squash. I convinced my wife to join Healthpoint as well. We will reconsider our decision. I urge you to retain all 5 squash courts at Healthpoint and put resources behind the squash program. There is a lot of money in squash. Make a bid to host a future US Open. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#2 -
2/27 6:06 a.m.
I have recently rejoined Healthpoint in Waltham on the basis of being able to play squash many times a week. If you are serious about removing courts 4 and 5, then I must reconsider my decision, and based on the fact that I was not told of this change when I reapplied (less than 30 days ago), I would expect you to allow me to cancel both my wife's account and my account with any penalties. Sincerely | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#1 -
2/27 1:21 a.m.
Hi, I got a note from Bill Mackey about the closing of 40% of the squash courts at BSC Waltham. I have been a member of this club for many years only for the squash. I am very disappointed by your decision. I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, try booking a squash court one afternoon for any given hour the same evening. You may get lucky … I almost never am. That will help you gauge demand. Now go down to the courts at the time you could not get and ask the waiting players whether they would remain members of BSC Waltham if courts were almost twice as scarce. That will help you gauge your demographic and how this change would affect membership. Bear in mind there are 250 players in BSC Waltham’s squash community so pro-rate the responses appropriately. You can start your survey with me: I will quit immediately if you go ahead with this plan. I look forward to hearing what you find out. Sincerely, |