By:Jonann Brady
Breaking news: It's cold outside. Really, really cold.
But just for a moment, imagine a steamy summer day floating on a raft in a swimming pool or relaxing in a lounge chair, sipping an ice-cold beer and watching the sun sink down over the harbor.
This daydream could become reality for all Baldwin residents now that the Oakwood Beach Club has opened membership to all town residents. Once a private enclave available only to a few residents who had beach club rights deeded into their property, the Oakwood Beach Club, located on Milburn Avenue and Bertha Street in the harbor, is opening its doors to all Baldwin residents, and to sweeten the deal, is offering an introductory membership rate of $500 a family.
"It's a social thing," said Mindy Barone, the club's current president. "If it wasn't for the pool club, I wouldn't have met many of my neighbors. It really should be the whole community."
The Oakwood Beach Club has been in Baldwin since 1962, though many people might not have known it existed. The club, which is open from early June through September, boasts two oversized swimming pools, views of the bay, beach activities, playgrounds, a concession stand and an open-air poolside bar. The club also hosts events such as DJ and karoake parties for adults at night, barbecues, beach volleyball, Friday night family dinners, and organized arts and crafts, water games and carnivals for children.
While about 130 families currently belong to the beach club, Barone said that the club could accommodate upwards of 250 families and still have plenty of room.
The Oakwood Beach Club is sponsoring a dinner party for current and prospective members on Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m. and the Super Grand Buffet restaurant on Grand Avenue. For more information, call Patrice at 378-2471.
