My cousin recently rented this place to have her daughter's graduation party (the one meant for her…read morefamily, not the one meant for her friends); I didn't have anything to do with the planning or payment, so I can't give any pertinent information to a prospective renter, but my cousin and her daughter seemed very pleased with the arrangement. My cousin, who loves to throw a good party and get$ carried away $ometime$, decided to throw a low-key party, with no catering and minimal decoration, and found a small out-of-the-way clubhouse no one had heard of. Unless I wasn't paying attention--which is ALWAYS possible--there was only this one room, which is made up of two halves: one with tables and chairs, and the other (which could also function as room for extra seating) with a few sofas and couches along the perimeter and a nice space for a dance floor. Bathrooms are easily accessible, and a small, fully-functional kitchen is open to the dining half of the room, with a convenient counter to put food.
The building itself--and everything in it--seems to be relatively new, and, though by no means posh, it was very nice, and had a very homey feel. The chairs were comfortable and the tables didn't wobble or move with the lightest of pressures. It wasn't lit like a gym or cafeteria, like it can be at other clubhouses or public centers (perfect example is the one attached to the Eola branch library) but wasn't dark and dingy; large windows looking out onto the pool let in lots of light, and then later the night sky--note: it looks like the pool is for residents of the neighborhood, so I'm not sure if that's something that can be rented out. It was the perfect amount of space for the number of attendees, 40 people, considering a few things: 1) you need space for food, desserts, displays, and gift tables, 2) you need extra space for people to move through, and lounge in, and 3) you want a dance floor. Nix the dance floor and some extra space, you could still comfortable seat 75 to 80 people. *I would like to thank my cousin, who--after having thrown countless parties--knows exactly what she's doing and exactly what she needs, for the information in the previous two sentences*
In a family that likes to throw parties, a lot of people were asking questions and taking note of this place, including my parents and my brother, and were expressing very favorable opinions. It's very possible that I may soon enough be helping to organize an event here, depending on the number of people expected. Again, it is a little out of the way, in an area I don't think a lot of people know very well and isn't located right off of any major roadway; it was, however, easy enough to find with my GPS, and easy enough to spot, as small and imbedded in the neighborhood as it may be. I'm not quite sure what their hours are any other day, but on Sunday the office closes at nine and the employees go home, however, it was previously agreed to that they would allow us to stay until midnight, at which time an employee would come and lock up. I'm not sure if my cousin had requested this or if they had offered, but in either case everyone thought it was awesome that they would allow that and we were all very appreciative. With ample parking, a nice space, and some pretty great amenities, I don't see why a person wouldn't want to check this place out if they're planning a relatively small event. If things work out a certain way, I will be able to update this review with more comprehensive information for the prospective renter; until then, it definitely deserves four stars from the point of view of a guest.
