Connecting Members During COVID Solidified the Culture at Farmington Country Club

“To help members escape the malaise created by COVID lockdown and the ever-changing activity restrictions, the Farmington Country Club fitness team invited everyone to keep moving,” explained Brandon Johnson, the club manager.

“And it’s safe to say that our annual Walk/Run Program is a staple event moving forward.”

The club, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, shut its doors in March 2020, “That’s when our team hit the ground running, creating a sense of community even if we weren’t physically present at the club,” continued Johnson.

“Regardless of how fit you are, movement can bring a community together,” stated Kasey Patterson, director of fitness and aquatics. “We asked ourselves, ‘What is something everyone can do?’ We decided on walking or running and thought together each person’s movement could work toward a common goal.”

The goal? To collectively walk or run a combined total of 2,020 miles. The program allowed members to participate from anywhere, whether at the club, in their homes, at the park on a hiking trail or other places where they needed to maintain social distancing – members were walking or running towards a common goal.

“We had members compete from all over the U.S. and share photos of their walking adventures along the way,” said Patterson. “We shared the photos among the staff and members, and it truly inspired us and kept us grounded during the emotional rollercoaster of the pandemic.”

In August 2020, 120 members and staff participated together, tripling their mileage goal. In 2021 the club revamped the program, made it a competition between members and staff, and easily exceeded the 2021-mile goal. The unexpected result of the program was more employees became involved in the UMotion program through United Health, where they earn money toward their HSA for more movement.

“At Farmington, we have always said, ‘take fitness outside the fitness walls,’ so this program embodies our mission, and the success of the program solidified the unity our Farmington community shares. The amount of participation from both staff and membership was just what our FCC family needed. Something constant to work towards together – it gave us all hope.” concluded Patterson.

Johnson shared, “Looking to start a similar program at your club? Keep it simple. Think of things that everyone could do and look for individuals who can be champions of your program to encourage others to participate. Promoting wellness comes from the top, so your club leaders should also be part of the program.”?BR