Padonia Park Club Assures Members of Safety for Children

The sent a letter to members regarding actions it has taken against former owner Ira Rigger Jr., who was

The letter also details the club's standard safety measures to protect children, including background checks and fingerprinting of employees and policies forbidding employees from being left alone with children.

In addition, the club has inspected its facilities to look for any hidden cameras.

"Out of abundance of caution, Club facilities have been thoroughly inspected for any cameras, surveillance or otherwise, and none were found," the letter stated.

Here's the letter in full that was sent from Kathy Angstadt, vice president of Padonia Park Club:

Dear Member:

The Padonia Park Club leadership is grateful for the trust you place in us and would like to update you on our management team and safety policies.  We hope the following information is helpful to you and we encourage you to contact us with any questions. 

Management Change:

Effective June 16, 2011 President/CEO Ira C. Frederick “Fred” Rigger Jr., is no longer an employee of Padonia Park Club, nor is he permitted on Club property.  His ownership in the Club is being terminated. Cheryl Bamberger, Club Controller, and I are serving as the Club’s senior leadership team. 

We want to reiterate that, according to law enforcement, there is no evidence that the departed employee’s alleged conduct involved club members or their families. The allegations against him do not involve the Club’s child care, day camp, swim club, or other services.  The Club in no way condones the alleged activities.  No other Club employee, including Ira C. Frederick "Ira" Rigger Sr., has been subject to allegations of wrongdoing.

Our Commitment to Safety & High Standards:

The Padonia Park Club team goes beyond the State’s minimum requirements to provide you the safest and most enjoyable experience possible. Employees of the Club must first undergo a background check. If they are to work with children they must be fingerprinted before employment begins. Club policies strictly prohibit any child from being left alone with any employee. Out of abundance of caution, Club facilities have been thoroughly inspected for any cameras, surveillance or otherwise, and none were found. 

The Club’s day camp is accredited by the American Camping Association, which maintains rigorous standards and conducts annual inspections. These standards exceed state and local licensing requirements. Our Child Center is licensed by the Maryland Department of Education’s Office of Child Care and earned a “Top 10 Child Care Center” designation by Baltimore Magazine. Lastly, the Center is staffed by certified professionals who are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children entrusted in their care.     

We continue to offer the same award-winning services and professionalism that we have proudly offered for more than five decades. All other members of the Club’s senior leadership remain with the Club and are more committed than ever to meeting the highest standards of excellence you deserve. We look forward to providing your family a fun-filled environment this summer."