I have been connected to Langford Farms Club since I was a teenager and have many fond memories…read morethere. When the previous owners, Brad and Becky, were in charge, the club felt like family. Over the years, I have primarily been a tennis member, but in April of this year I decided to purchase a full membership under the new ownership because of the amenities and improvements being advertised at that time. These included extended pool hours, a 24-hour gym, renovations throughout the facility, and resurfacing of three tennis courts.
I understand that major upgrades take time and resources, and I was patient with that process. However, several of the marketed changes either did not occur or were delayed significantly. For example, the 24-hour gym was not operational until late July, despite being advertised in April. The pool hours were promoted as open until 8 p.m. all summer, but were later changed to close at 6 p.m. in the latter part of the season. The tennis court resurfacing is now stated to be dependent on future investors, meaning it is not guaranteed.
In addition, I observed maintenance issues such as the adult pool containing significant debris on more than one occasion. I posted two brief, polite comments on the club's Facebook page noting the debris and the pool hour change. These comments contained no vulgar or disrespectful language. Shortly after, I found that I had been blocked from the club's Facebook page without prior notice or any request to communicate through alternative channels. This was concerning, as the page is where members receive updates and important information.
I also experienced a serious health concern. On one occasion, my roommate and I both ate lunch and dinner at the poolside grill and became violently ill later that evening. I sent the owner a private message to let him know this was a possibility -- not to make a public complaint, but so he could be aware in case there was an issue that needed to be addressed. My concern was dismissed outright, with the owner stating that no one else had complained. In our conversation, he also dismissed other points I raised about the facility, saying my feedback carried less weight because he believed I had not attended the clubhouse often enough.
When I arranged a face-to-face meeting to discuss these matters in a calm and professional manner, the owner confirmed that he removes Facebook comments he considers unfavorable. I explained that my reduced visits this summer were partly due to personal hardships, including two family bereavements and a job change; these statements were not acknowledged. Throughout the meeting, I was interrupted frequently, and my concerns were met with defensiveness. When I raised the topic of improving customer service and communication, the owner abruptly ended the conversation, told me the discussion was over, and escorted me out of the building in front of other members, opening the office gate forcefully and walking me to the exit.
I have also personally seen other members' concerns about similar issues posted to Facebook, only to be removed, and during our conversation the owner acknowledged that multiple families had approached him directly with disappointment about the direction of the clubhouse.
My membership has since been cancelled at my request, and while I appreciate that no further charges will be made, my experience leaves me concerned about the club's current management approach. I hope that in the future, member feedback will be met with constructive dialogue, professional communication, and the delivery of amenities as advertised.
From my personal experience along with others, this to be an unsafe environment, emotionally, for family's who are paying for a positive experience. If any feedback and concerns are addressed it is met with unprofessionalism, retaliation, and defensiveness.