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Almost 75 years ago Jane Britten of Westfield NJ told her husband Stan they needed a pool. Not one that would eat up precious space in their own backyard, heavens no. But one that could be built as a private club for friends and local families to share. Jane was determined, and after convincing Stan, the twosome recruited five other couples to their mission of bringing the Highland Swim Club (HSC) to Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.
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The story of Jane and Stan’s quest is well documented in the January 1954 issue of Family Circle Magazine. What it reveals is the long history of a community coming together to facilitate countless summers of fun for kids of all ages. From the very beginning, pool members volunteered their expertise – from lawyers and bankers to architects and construction workers – with the goal of realizing a cold pool on a hot day. Fast forward to this decade, where pool members continue to come together to paint, clean and otherwise ready their summer happy place for the benefit of the larger community.
It started with 250 families raising the capital needed to buy the land and construct the facility. The wives of the original six couples chose the name “Highland” as a tribute to the Scottish Highlands and their mutual love of tartan prints, kilts, and bagpipes. It was fate that the approved five-acre “Scotch” Plains site would accidentally pay homage to the same.
Over time, the club expanded its offering to members and visitors. At the heart of the property is a large L-shaped 25-meter pool with diving boards that bring a long line of kids and adults looking to perfect their jumps. All it takes is one hour of watching the diving boards to see competition-worthy dives filled with flips and twists as well as the most impressive belly flops. There is also a gated kiddie pool, concession area, pool house, picnic tables and grilles - and plenty of umbrella seating for shade. When taking a break from swimming, members enjoy the ample playground where spirited games of wiffle-ball, basketball, pickleball, ping-pong, and corn-hole are played.
But swimmers beware! There are sharks in these waters! HSC is home to the Sharks, a competitive swim team serving Scotch Plains-Fanwood and the surrounding areas. Swimmers aged five to eighteen have benefitted from a rich tradition of excellence, with programs designed to deliver personal improvement year over year. Coaches are often local students swimming at the most competitive levels, sharing their knowledge to develop the next generation of champion swimmers.
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Now, after decades of fun serving up happy memories to generations of families in the Scotch Plains Fanwood community, Highland Swim Club will enjoy its 73rd and final season. And what a season it will be as the creative minds of a committed Board of Governors fuel another action-packed summer. Even with a cold opening over Memorial Day weekend, the Highland Swim Club forbid Mother Nature from spoiling the fun. Instead, a “Polar Bear Plunge” was planned to kickstart the season! HSC has delighted its members over the years with poolside yoga, regular float and movie nights, and “Tween” parties shared with Willow Grove Pool. There is the Highland Olympics, Taylor Swift Night, and countless birthday parties. The Roskin family of Scotch Plains are long-time members, grateful for the friends they have made over the years at Highland: “On any given day you can go to the pool and run into people you have not seen all year. Next thing you know you are there all day, laughing, firing up a grill and enjoying each other’s company” says Jill Roskin. Board Member Neal Fitzsimmons offers his own sentiments about the club: “We are known for our laid-back, friendly atmosphere, competitive swim team, hospitality, and fun-loving members” says Neal. He shares dozens of family photos that memorialize the significance it has had on the childhoods of his own kids. “These are memories we will cherish for a lifetime” he says. Looking at the smiles on the faces of his float-toting son and daughter, it is easy to agree.
While Highland’s multi-decade run will be ending, members are happy to learn the property will remain a recreational space after its purchase by the Township of Scotch Plains. With very few opportunities to acquire this much acreage the Town can now put plans against their goal of creating more recreational amenities for its residents. In the meantime, Highland Swim Club dives into to an epic final season to top off an already overflowing pool of memories.
Page 2 Pull Quote: We've made lifelong friends at Highland
Page 3 Pull Quote: These are memories we will cherish for a lifetime