Homestead is a family-oriented community. We welcome our members of all ages, and work continually to provide quality and variety in our amenities. Children are an important element of the membership, but safety and liability concerns require specific and restrictive rules. There is no one monitoring areas outside of the clubhouse, but we do ask that children observe basic rules of safety and respect for property on Homestead Open Space, as well as around the Club.

We will make our best effort to enforce the following rules fairly, but the ultimate responsibility belongs to parents, not Homestead employees. That is, responsibility for knowing the rules, and of course, for each child’s safety.

Children under 12 are not permitted in the Club without direct supervision. This means that a responsible person must be watching the child (or children), and not working out or otherwise engaged while children are present. Unsupervised children will be asked to leave the Club. Children under 12 must be strictly supervised in locker rooms at all times. Children over 4 years must use locker room of their own gender.

All children 12 and over who would like to use the Club without a parent (or responsible person) must be registered with the Club, and have their own membership number, which they key in as they enter the building. Unregistered children must enter with a parent or responsible person.

To register, a 12-year old (or older), must present a photo ID, or come in with a parent to register. Registration forms are also available at the desk, and must be filled out by a parent (in person at the desk).

All children must exhibit appropriate behavior, picking up after themselves and showing respect for property and other members. Misbehaving children (of any age) will be requested to leave the building. Appropriate behavior must also be exhibited on Open Space, parks, playgrounds and trails.

A responsible person can be anyone 12 or older who accepts responsibility for a child (that is, a parent, babysitter or older friend) for most areas of the building. There are specific guidelines for pool area, weight room and cardio area.

On Tennis Courts, there is to be no play other than tennis. No bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc. are allowed on courts or on the sidewalk between courts.

Bikes, etc. must be parked in the bike-rack in front of the club, not on concrete entry or stairwell.

No infants, even in carry-alls, are allowed in the fitness and spin rooms during classes, or in the weight room or cardiovascular area at any time. This includes hallways, community room, etc.

No children are allowed in the weight room or cardio area under the age of 14. Children age 14 – 17 may use the weight room and cardio areas only if they have been certified by HCC Fitness Staff. This certification provides limited access to these areas. To receive a certification, see Amy Berger, Fitness Coordinator.

Pool Rules

12-16 year olds may supervise children under 12 in the pool room ONLY when a lifeguard is on duty.

For a child under 12 to be in the pool room when there is no lifeguard on duty, there must be a responsible person 16 years or older directly supervising this child.

All children (and adults) must exhibit appropriate behavior at all times in the pool room, or they will be asked to leave the building. This includes, but is not limited to: a) no hard balls, tennis balls, etc. allowed in pool room; b) no letting unregistered persons in pool doors; c) interfering with lap swimmers; d) roughhousing, running or pushing others into the pool; e) turning on any hoses in pool room; f) using Club equipment, kickboards, etc. for any purpose other than lap swim.

Infants and untrained toddlers must wear swim diapers at all times in pool and hot tub.

No children under 14 allowed in sauna at any time.

No food or glass allowed in pool room.

Penalties for misbehavior will be strictly enforced, at the discretion of ANY Homestead Employee. Penalties include removal from the building, suspension from the Club for a limited period, or permanent expulsion from the Club. In cases where vandalism or damage has occurred, the police will be called, and charges pressed. We will expect to be reimbursed for any expenses for clean-up, repair, etc.

Babysitting is provided 33 hours per week so that members can exercise safely in the clubhouse and know their children are well cared for. Please utilize this service if you have children with you.