A 52-year-old private recreational facility in Anderson is heading to the auction block after membership failed to rebound following the Great Recession, prompting a bankruptcy.
The 16.9-acre East Side Dolphin Club property and its assets are scheduled for liquidation at an Aug. 4 auction, Indianapolis-based Key Auctioneers announced Monday.
The property at 3003 Lindberg Road includes a 4,720-square-foot clubhouse, three swimming pools, four tennis courts, a three-bedroom caretaker’s residence and multiple storage facilities. The main pool is Olympic-sized with nine lanes and 12-foot depths for diving.
Auctioneers say the secluded property could be used as a family retreat, church camp, community rec center or even a private residence.
The complex also features a hot tub and sauna gazebo, full basketball court, horseshoe pits, a weight room and fitness center, volleyball and badminton courts, a 104-space paved parking lot, and a large picnic area with grills and tables.
The East Side Dolphin Club was a popular private summer club for Anderson families for decades after opening in 1966. It was founded by a group of teachers, including the former swimming coach for Anderson High School.
Prior to the recession, the club had a waiting list for membership with more than 600 families. That number had fallen to fewer than 400 in 2016.
Club officials suggested raising annual dues to $950 in 2018 to cover growing debt, but instead closed the facility when members balked at the increase. Previous membership costs had been $750 for the first year and $275 for subsequent years.
The club filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in March, listing $209,028 in liabilities and $342,736 in assets.
More information on the auction can be found here.
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