Peter Malkin founded a non-restrictive club in Fairfield County on Duncan Drive. He wanted to create a club that was accessible to all residents in the lower Fairfield County area. They created a swim and tennis club called The Bailiwick Club on Duncan Drive.
The Bailiwick Club was founded in 1972 to be the first unrestricted club in Greenwich, that would remain reasonably priced.
Everyone is welcome to apply no matter race, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. For the last 50 years, the members’ children have learned and competed in tennis and swimming at the club. Some have gone on to play at college and others have gone on to the Olympic Swimming trials. For many they would not have had the opportunity without Bailiwick. Now those kids’ families have returned to the club introducing a third generation of members to learn to love and excel in sports while creating close friendships.
The Bailiwick Club, Fairfield County’s 1st Non-Restrictive Club held its groundbreaking ceremony on September 2nd to replace its 50 year old Pool and Dining in its largest renovation project since its founding. From left to right: First Selectman Fred Camillo, Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan, Rep. Tina Courpas, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin, Jon Horwitz, Greg Meyer, Brian Balanoff, David Fink, Nicole Sanderson, Tim Clark, Ryan Humiston, Chris Demuth, Al Solarz, Noah Clark
Photo credit: Katie Tuzmen, Brook Road Photography
This fall, they have undertaken the largest renovation project in the clubs 50-year history – replacing the original pool for a state-of-the-art pool and new dining area. They broke ground on the project September 2nd with First Selectman Fred Camilo and Rep. Tina Corpus. The new pool will be a 25-meter six lane pool that will keep the team competing the Fairfield County Swim League. There will also be an improved diving well and adjusted depth that will open the possibility of a Water Polo team for the first time. For younger members they will be able to enjoy a new learn to swim area. But, not forgetting that it is a social pool as well there is a lane you can walk and socialize in as well. In all the pool has something for every member. They are also adding a new dining area that can be used all year round to expand the offerings of the club. These is part of the long-term growth of the club that includes the recent addition of Pickleball and lights on the Paddle courts.
The project has also become meaningful for the team that has taken it on. For pool builder Bill Drakeley, one of the foremost pool builders in Connecticut, this project is very personal. His grandfather built the original pool that is being replaced. He is happy to take this on and rebuild his grandfather’s pool making this a generational project for his family. This is also generational for Clark Construction Incorporated which is bringing to reality the plans of Roger McCagg Architect and Mella Kernan. Owner Tim Clark’s son Noah overseeing construction on-site for the company working alongside his father. That generational theme runs through the project and the club as it grows to ensure the club continues to thrive for decades to allow more members and their kids to learn and compete in Swimming and Racquet Sports for generations to come.