The Groves-Warch family just welcomed a new addition to their growing circle. But their story spans four generations, all with the same background: Brookside Country Club.
It began in the early 1970s when Chris Groves's father introduced him to golf at just six years old.
"I was a junior member many moons ago," Chris reflects. "I'm actually second generation, and Mike and Kelsey would be third."
When Chris married Karen in 1988, Chris's parents gifted the newlyweds a membership as a wedding present, establishing Brookside as a constant in their married life.
A moment with his father captures what Brookside truly means to Chris. When his father struggled during a round, Chris said to him, "Dad, I don't get out here that much, and I really treasure the opportunity that you and I can play. Let's just consider this morning a walk in the park between a father and a son." These words shined a new light on that day, and they continue to guide Chris’s family.
"To me, a round of golf is nothing more than a walk in the park with friends and family," Chris says. But golf was only the beginning of Brookside memories for the Groves-Warch families.
From Karen Groves’s point of view, Brookside became central to their family experience.
"I always remember loving and enjoying the pool, enjoying the events, many New Year's Eves we spent there, summers at the pool, and now being there with my own children who have children of their own," Karen shares.
Brookside hosted the family's most significant milestones over the years.
"We've done bridal showers for my girls. We've done baby showers. My youngest daughter and her husband, we did their wedding reception there," Karen explains.
Karen now creates new memories with the next generation.
"I spent more time there this past summer with my grandchildren than I probably have over the past five years. And it was so much fun, the kids love the pool. The two older ones love jumping off the diving board and knocking on the window at the snack bar to ask for what they think are free snacks."
Kelsey Warch, who grew up thinking the same thing about Brookside's famous snack bar, found this feeling all too familiar.
"I remember growing up going to the pool and enjoying that. Like my mom said, we all thought the snacks were free," Kelsey says. "There were probably a couple days that she really didn't even want to know how much we spent at the snack bar."
Those summer days spent poolside created memories Kelsey continues to hold tight. ”There's a lot of very family-oriented events that make it feel so special," she recalls.
These experiences and memories created such positive impressions that when Kelsey began planning her own family's future, Brookside naturally came to mind.
"Having that under my belt, having Mike experience it, then knowing that this could be our future for our kids, I think that was my realization of 'I definitely want to do this,'" Kelsey says.
When Kelsey introduced Mike Warch to Brookside, he recognized something special about the club. Coming from Long Island, country clubs felt exclusive and unwelcoming. Mike found Brookside much different. "Brookside is truly a family feel and a welcoming place."
Mike embraced the opportunity to create his family legacy at Brookside.
"As an avid golfer in the Lehigh Valley, I was looking for a place to belong, not just to golf, but to create a legacy. Seeing what the Groves family experienced, I knew Brookside was without doubt the place to be," he shares.
The couple joined before having children, already envisioning future family memories. Now, with two young sons, Kelsey sees their membership through new eyes.
"Looking around, it's kids everywhere. Our son's going to grow up and be able to run around here one day, and just know that it's such a nice environment and it feels safe."
Mike adds with a laugh, "My kids are going to know their grandparents' member number for the snack bar before they know mine."
"Historically, Brookside has been a working man’s club," Chris points out. This matters deeply to him because it’s a place where everyone feels welcome. "It gives you access, but it does not give you privilege. There's a difference."
Being a member doesn't set you apart or above others. This inclusiveness shapes how members interact and support one another at Brookside.
The family experienced this supportive environment firsthand when their oldest daughter Meghan Groves wanted to try out for her high school tennis team. Chris contacted Brookside's tennis pro, who trained her throughout the summer. Meghan not only made the JV team but ended up clinching a crucial varsity match.
"You have to credit what you get from Brookside," Chris shares. "It's not just about the facilities, it's about the people who make the difference."
This people-first approach continues to define the Brookside experience for the Groves-Warch family. "People are its greatest assets," Chris says. "And we need to remind ourselves that we want to be a part of that."
As they watch their grandchildren create their own Brookside memories, the family sees the continuation of a legacy that spans half a century.
Your family's legacy at Brookside Country Club could begin today, where walks in the park become lifelong memories.