Bay Terrace Country Club Celebrates Jubilee

Members of the celebrated their 50^th Anniversary with a poolside cocktail party under the summer sun.

“Just look at the property,” said Bill Kregler, a board member of the , “and you’ll know the difference between a country club and a pool club.”

BTCC Board Member Giovanna Guerci, who helped organize the event, spoke of a blissfully cool summer filled with good times and great company. 

"We’re having a great summer because we’re enjoying the company of new members mixing with members who have been here for fifty years,” she said.

Serenaded to the tune of Ah The Good Life by a Frank Sinatra impersonator, Bill Kregler pointed to the master masonry work and the panoramic views of Little Neck Bay. He spoke highly of the BTCC as a place to experience what he calls an enhanced quality of life, an easy place to get to, and the best part about this place “you can join," he says.

Started in 1961, the private cooperative pool club features an Olympic sized swimming pool, a gorgeous newly renovated sundeck, regulation basketball court, recreational programs, and a full service café on premises.

Senator Tony Avella who was on hand to celebrate with club members said, “I just love the whole place."

The club, which was once struggling, is now thriving thanks to new members.

In 2009, the Club underwent a multi-million dollar restoration after suffering years of neglect. The Club’s financial struggles were due to shrinking membership and a generally declining interest in the property.

Turning the tide of change, a renovated pool deck and lower level have been strengthened with a fresh vision by Elite Pool and Fitness Management.  Vice President of Operations, Michael Zucchelli said, “We’re here to cater to members of the BTCC, to make sure every visit is a satisfying experience.”

Troubling times were not enough to keep longtime members away. “We just decided to check it out, and we’ve been here ever since through thick and thin,” says Gary Johnson, a member of the club since 2003.

In 2011, the Queens Chamber of Commerce recognized the renovations, and the Club received the Rehabilitation of Existing Structures award.

The Bay Terrace Country Club is accepting new membership applications and is encouraging those interested to check out their website to find out more information.

Check back with Patch for photos from the event.