Cruiser Club to be reborn

SPARTA — After many years and many owners later, the property formerly known as the Cruiser Club has a new beginning. Thanks to a joint venture between the Lake Mohawk Country Club and the Leo-Carbin Group, it will open Memorial Day as Lake Mohawk Pool. This time around, the vision and long-term goals are different. The name change alone sets the tone that this group means business.

Although all the owners in the past six years had good intentions and nostalgic drive to bring the Cruiser Club back to its glory days, they were unsuccessful and not profitable. Upgrades to the pool, property and snack bar were made along the way, but mixed messages and low attendance caused it to be a loosing proposition.

When the Lake Mohawk Country Club (LMCC) approached Greg Leo of the Leo Companies about buying and operating the property together, Leo was game. As owner of a fourth generation real estate development company and resident of Lake Mohawk, Leo has always admired the property for its real estate potential. As long as LMCC agreed to a shared new vision and Leo acting as the managing director, he was willing to take a shot.

Purchased out of foreclosure from the bank, Leo and his partner Rich Carbin felt the timing and price was right.

New homes, no more tennis court

“How can we do this differently is the basic question? We want to change the focus and redesign the buildings in the lake style fashion,” explained Leo. “We are planning to build lakefront homes with approval from Byram and use that revenue to the advantage of the pool.”

Leo points out that the tennis club on the property lost $20,000 two summers ago, so he does not see the viability of keeping it. In order to accommodate the new houses and a new parking area, both asphalt and clay courts will be eliminated. Presently, the clubhouse is slated for renovation with a new façade and a family and handicap bathroom upstairs. Handicap ramp accessibility was out of code and also will be revamped. The downstairs bathrooms will be ventilated. This first phase of renovation should be completed by opening day. Also, an expanded patio area and new parking lot and entry way where the former sports shed used to be are in the works as well as a “serenity area” for members 21 years and above

“People have been calling and saying thanks for saving the pool. If we get the membership, it will be here. It’s up to the community who wants to be here to save the pool,” he said. “The bottom line is we have an aggressive plan and if this year is successful, then we can go ahead with the next steps.”

But Leo is realistic. “If we break even this summer, we will be successful.”

Leo stressed that Lake Mohawk Pool is privately owned but open to the public – one does not have to be a Lake Mohawk Country Club member to join. “You can live anywhere and join the pool,” he said.

Competitive and athletic swimming

Although he has new ideas, he is faithful to the competitive swim team which was always the heart and soul of the Cruiser Club under the leadership of Dave Leshnower. “There is a lot of excitement from the swim team, and Dave is just fantastic.”

One of the new features will be a triathlon training camp led by Tracy Swenson, a local triathlon winner. “We hope to make the best of what everyone has done and improve it. We want to offer not just a swimming pool, but activities for all different ages, possibly a day camp also,” said Leo. “The community needs to support this. It is only going to do this if they get what they want-the community is going to make it work.”

And because of that mentality, Leo is invested in the community and held an open meeting last Saturday at the Lake Mohawk Country Club to field questions and garner suggestions. Almost 200 people showed up to hear what his group had to say and see the renderings of Lake Mohawk Pool.

“It was spectacular the turnout,” said Leo later that day. “Great ideas were generated and positive feedback.” He was particularly excited about signing up 40 memberships on the spot.

Initial excitement and buzz with new consistent leadership may just make Lake Mohawk Pool a destination that is here to stay.