I understand there are boundaries to become a member. What are they?
Any person over the age of 18 residing in Seattle within the View Ridge Membership Area bounded on the north by Northeast 110th Street, on the west by 25th Avenue Northeast, on the south by the Lake Washington Ship canal, and on the east by Lake Washington is eligible to purchase a membership in View Ridge Swim & Tennis Club (VRSTC). Reside, for the purpose of this policy means to occupy a house, condominium or apartment, as one’s legal domicile.
What if I’m not in the area now, but plan on moving in soon?
A person does not have to reside within the View Ridge Membership Area to place their name on the waiting list, but they must reside in the View Ridge Membership Area at the time a membership is offered and accepted.
How do I get on the list?
Simply fill out a form and send it to us with a one time $50 fee. (Click here for a Wait List Applicaiton)
How does the Wait List work?
When a membership becomes available, it will be offered to the first person on the Wait List. This person will have seven days to complete all elements of the transfer – return of a new member form and the appropriate fees. This person can request a one-year extension regarding a decision on joining. A form requesting this extension has to be returned to the club within two weeks. An extension is a one-time opportunity.
What are the fees?
New members pay a membership fee, annual dues, and any other fees. A portion of the joining fee goes directly to the club ($1700) and a portion goes to the selling member ($800). Annual dues are currently $600, but will increase next year to cover the cost of a new facility. Beginning this year a one-time assessment of $1000 will also be required. New members get the value of the membership back when they sell. ($800 + $1000 + additions to the value as a result of future capital dues.)
Members
What happens in cases of divorce? Who gets the membership?
Membership in View Ridge Swim and Tennis Club is, and always has been, based on the understanding that a membership is an indivisible privilege owned by one family living together at one residence. There is only one Membership Certificate. Unfortunately, in this modern age, divorce and familial separation is common. In the case of divorce or separation, it is not possible to have the membership “split” between former partners. The partners must choose which one will retain the membership and inform the club of this decision.
Can we sell our membership with our house?
Yes, members can sell to someone buying their house, as long as the house is inside the club boundaries. The buyer and seller can work out the details of this offer, but the decision must be made by closing and the club will receive the usual transfer free (presently $1700). The selling member cannot be on the inactive list.
Can we sell to our children?
Members can sell to a child as long as she of he live within the pool boundaries. The club will receive the usual transfer fee.
What is Alumni Status?
Families with 20 years of continuous membership can opt to sell the membership back to the club and receive Alumni Status. They have full use of the facility, including bringing guests at the normal rate. They pay 1/3 of the current dues. This status continues as long as payment is made each year.
What is Inactive Status?
A member, after at a minimum of one year’s active membership, may request to go inactive in their membership. This request must be made to the Club in writing. Approval of the member’s inactive status will be made by the Board and will be for a maximum of 3 years out of every ten years. (This restriction begins with the 2007 season. Currently inactive members start their 3 year count this year.) The inactive member’s membership will then be sold to a prospective member. Inactive members will pay 1/3 of the then current annual dues each year to maintain their status. (Note: This is a change from past policy. The Board wanted to make sure that the inactive status didn’t become a haven from assessments.)
How do I come off inactive status?
When an inactive member desires to reactivate his/her membership, the club must receive notice in writing. Once notice is received, the inactive member will be placed first in line on the membership wait list, and when a vacancy among active members occurs, will reactivate his/her membership by paying the full amount of annual dues plus any other assessments then due and owing to the Club.
What if I want to sell a membership with my house, but I’m inactive?
Inactive members must reactivate their memberships in order to sell their memberships, to a purchaser of their house (if they live in the View Ridge Membership Area) or to an eligible child. Remember, if you are inactive, you don’t technically have a membership to sell.
Can I sell my membership to my son or daughter and then become an alumni member?
This is not possible. To become an alumni member, you have to sell your membership back to the club. You would then have no membership to sell to your children.
How does going on the inactive list affect my years of membership that count towards alumni status?
The Bylaws permit members to become alumni members after 20 yearsw of “continuous membership.” Although this language could be read to mean “consecutive” years, the Board has interpreted this language to mean only that you must have been an active member for a total of 20 years. Thus, any year that you are inactive does not count toward the 20 years, but your 20 years do not have to be consecutive.
If we move outside the club boundaries, can we retain our membership?
Yes, you can retain your membership if you move outside the boundaries.
How do I sell my membership?
If you are ready to sell your membership, send a letter expressing your request to the club’s P.O. Box by March 1. You need to clear up any money owed on your account. You will receive the present equity and your membership will be sold to the next person on the wait list. Members who are on the inactive list must first become active before selling their membership.