The Comeback Club

A Sparta couple rescues a Sussex County landmark from development and keeps a cherished summer tradition alive Sparta - A life-long dream has come true for Justin Williams and his wife, Lori Meakin-Williams. Thanks to them, the Cruiser Club, one of Sussex County’s favorite summer hangouts, has been maintained. The property was already under bid by a developer when the Williams’ heard it was for sale. Racing against time, they acted quickly with their bid just two months ago, and closed on the sale of the club on Wednesday, March 29. “The property was closer to becoming condos or housing than most people think,” said Williams. “They (former owner) did the community a favor by selling it to us.” The Cruiser Club sits on four distinct one-acre lots, not under the auspices of the Highlands Act. According to Williams, there was speculation of either a condominium complex being built or four single-family homes in place of the Cruiser Club, where members have enjoyed their summer activities for almost 70 years. “As a mother of two boys who have spent nearly every day of summer vacation at the Cruiser Club the past two years, and having grown up and worked there myself, I can’t tell you how happy I was to hear the pool is opening again this summer,” said Colleen Berlinger, Cruiser Club member. Williams grew up in Sparta, spending his summers enjoying the club as well. Eventually he got a job there, first as life guard and teaching swimming lessons, and later, as head lifeguard and swim coach. He continued his swimming career at the collegiate level at Kutztown College in Pennsylvania. “When I found out the property was for sale, I acted quickly, knowing I was uniquely qualified and I understood the needs and wants of the local clientele, for swimmers and tennis players,” he said. Because of the Williams’ ambitious and swift decision, the club will reopen to its members on May 1 for Lakeside Tennis activities. The main club will reopen on May 27. Opening as early as May 27 is just one of the many perks the couple plan to offer their members. In the past, the pool typically opened at the end of June. The new owners have big plans for the club. They are now offering a variety of different membership options, mini camps, wireless connection for members to use the Internet on club grounds, free tennis lessons, fitness classes with Bill McHuge of Fitness Consulting, and romantic dining experiences on the patio overlooking Lake Mohawk. Dining will be open to the public. They are also renovating areas of the club by replacing the pool decking with concrete and stamped concrete, adding bocce ball courts and upgrading shuffle board courts, putting in new diving boards, remodeling the bathrooms, and replacing the 69 year old cleansing system with one that is high-performance and commercial grade. The new pool filtration system was a priority, Williams said. It is easier on the skin, eyes, and hair because it cleanses the pool water without using chemicals, he explained. The couple plans to change the snack bar to a snack café, where the menu will include meals that are more appetizing to the adult population, such as wraps, panninis, special leaf salads and daily specials created by sous-chef, Brendan Peterson, formerly of the Lake Mohawk Country Club. The café will now be open to the public with dockside pick up for Lake Mohawk boaters. “Back in the day, the Cruiser Club was the place to be,” said Meakin-Williams. “We hope to bring it back and then some.” An “open house” party, open to the public, is slated for Saturday, June 17. For more information on the Cruiser Club, call 973-729-2598 or log on to cruiserswim.com.