A friend created a figure to show the percentage of Chinese/Korean American student population in the Pointers Run Elementary School. Then I counted my daughter’s Clarksville Elementary School too. The data was taken from 2015 School Year Book.
Here is the data and plot.
So I will keep updating these numbers and figures each year and see how our community is changing.
(This article will be published in The Villager, March 2016.)
Columbia Association (CA) is working to improve our fitness membership services and increase community participation. The current Package Plan membership structure is very complex. Therefore, CA staff recently recommended a six-category membership structure based on the study by consultant Club Intel:
The key success indicator for a new fitness membership structure is an affordable price with great customer service. Currently CA has approximately 20,000 memberships (6000 of them are non-CA residents) and Columbia has around 100,000 residents. We want to serve as many residents as possible and still maintain quality service. I believe CA’s fitness program, pathway and open space are an integral and enjoyable part of our resident’s daily life.
My primary thought on the membership rate is that we should provide a relatively low rate to residents (they already pay the Annual Charge fee) and a market competitive rate (a little lower than other commercial facilities in our community) to non-residents.
Without a price tag for the membership structure proposed by CA staff, it is difficult to make a decision. If the price is really low then the facilities may become overcrowded. If the price is too high, many residents will not be able to afford memberships. We have to strike a balance between these two factors. At the same time, CA needs to have a healthy fiscal condition too. I am expecting the CA Board will soon receive more details from staff on the projected membership numbers and projected revenue.
Instead of bundling many facilities and services together, I prefer a more flexible membership structure which gives more freedom to our members. It is obvious that for elderly families and families with young kids, their needs are quite different. For example, I seldom see elderly people swimming in the outdoor pools.
I prefer to exclude group lessons and classes from the membership structure. They offer added-on value such that they should be purchased separately.
Choose three of the facilities from the list above.
Have access to all the facilities from the list above.
Include Haven on the Lake or Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course or both. These two facilities are expensive and premier If customers have the basic or advanced membership, they will get a discount on Haven on the Lake or Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course memberships.
CA resident and non-CA residence price; Low-income price; Family and non-family price; Short-term visitor price.
By providing such a structure, I believe it will be easier for members to participate in programs and services that better match their needs. I would really appreciate your input on the CA staff proposed membership structure and on my concept. Please email me at superbwu@gmail.com or the whole CA Board atboard.members@columbiaassociation.org. We really need to hear from you.
Chao Wu, Ph.D.
River Hill Representative to Columbia Council
Columbia Association Board of Directors
Email: superbwu@gmail.com Tel: 240-481-9637 Website: http://chaowu2016.com
Disclaimer: This letter only represents Dr. Chao Wu’s personal opinion. It does not represent River Hill Board of Directors nor Columbia Association’s Board.
