Jun
05
2020
From The Blog
Enjoy The Sandcastle Safely in Phase 1
Members are now welcome back to The Sandcastle in accordance with the governmental guidelines. This limited opening is Phase 1 of a three-phased approach. Prior to reopening, KICA engaged health experts from the Medical University of South Carolina’s (MUSC) re|IGNITE team to evaluate association facilities. The MUSC team provided KICA with recommendations for a phased reopening in alignment with the CDC, DHEC and accelerateSC plans. While Phase 1 is the most restrictive, it is critical for moving forward with amenities access. We ask for your patience and understanding as we create a safe but welcoming environment for you.
GENERAL SANDCASTLE INFORMATION
The Sandcastle is a second home for many of our members and we are taking every precaution to ensure the wellbeing of our members and staff. The Sandcastle has been deep-cleaned and
sanitized. Multiple sanitation cleanings take place daily to ensure safe and comfortable environments. Hand sanitizer is located throughout the building, and is clearly marked. Staff members providing services to members wear PPE masks, and KICA’s safety coordinator is temporarily stationed at The Sandcastle to oversee the precautions that have been put into place. Members are not required to wear masks, but masks can protect against COVID-19, and help prevent the spread. Although these health precautions have been implemented, members entering The Sandcastle must assume the responsibility for their own health, and must abide by social distancing guidelines to protect others.
The amenities in Phase 1 of The Sandcastle’s reopening include the pools, the Castle Grille and the Sandbar. Use of the pools requires advanced reservations, and Castle Grille is offering take-out
only options to pool guests, with the option of online ordering and payment. The Sandbar allows walk-up ordering with no seating at the bar. No members will be permitted to use The Sandcastle
without a reservation. In Phase 1, member guests are not permitted, fitness classes and the strength and cardio room are closed, no events or group meetings are taking place, and the upstairs lounge, meeting rooms and veranda are closed. All members must check in at the lobby. Pool gates are locked, and therefore there is no access to the beach at Boardwalk 8A. Boardwalk 8B, to the left of The Sandcastle from the parking lot, can be used to access the beach.
Phase 1: Available Amenities & Services
POOLS
The Sandcastle pools are open in Phase 1 with modified procedures. Advanced reservations are required for use. There are currently two pool sessions daily (10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-5 p.m.), with lounge chair and common surface cleaning preceding each session. Reservations may be made 48 hours in advance, and only one reservation per household may be made per day. Reservations may be made for up to 6 household members. In accordance with DHEC guidelines, the Family Pool has an occupancy limit of 75 members and the Oceanfront Pool has an occupancy limit of 30 members. Reservations may be made online at kica.us/sandcastle. Instructions on how to use the reservation platform are also available there.
Check-in for the pool takes place in The Sandcastle lobby. There is no access to the pools or beach through the pool gates. When you check in, you will need to provide the names of each household
member in your reservation and a staff member will confirm your time slot without contact. Lounge chairs are appropriately spaced to allow for social distancing and are sanitized between pool sessions. Pool toys and floats are prohibited to maintain a sanitary environment. No glass is permitted in the pool area. When using the pool, please maintain a respectful distance of at least six feet between other community members.
OUTDOOR RESTROOMS
The restrooms at the family and oceanfront poolsare open for the use of members at each pool. Restrooms are cleaned and sanitized before each reservation session.
CASTLE GRILLE
The Castle Grille is open, offering a limited to-go menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orders and payment may be made online — visit kica.us/sandcastle for the link. Orders may also be placed at the service window. Only credit card payments will be accepted. The Sandbar at the oceanfront adult pool will be open for walk-up drink service. Credit card payments will be accepted and there will be no bar seating at this time. Charge-on-account is not available.
LIMITED MEMBER SERVICES
Limited member services are offered at The Sandcastle during Phase 1. Members are encouraged to email [email protected] for more information.
Phase 1: Unavailable Amenities & Services
NO FITNESS CLASSES OR GYM ACCESS
Based on the MUSC health experts’ recommendations, the strength and cardio fitness room is closed in Phase 1 due to the confined space. No fitness classes are being offered. Online workouts with Sandcastle instructors are available at kica.us.
NO CLUB MEETINGS OR PRIVATE EVENTS
The Sandcastle is closed to club meetings, group activities and private events in Phase 1. The upstairs meeting rooms and restrooms are closed.
UPSTAIRS LOUNGE AND VERANDA CLOSED
The Sandcastle’s upstairs lounge area and outside veranda are closed in Phase 1.
PLAYGROUND CLOSED
Due to sanitation concerns, the outdoor playground in the pool area is closed in Phase 1. We are thrilled to be able to welcome you back to The Sandcastle, even on this limited basis, and ask for your patience as we all navigate this unprecedented situation. Phase 1 is a learning phase and changes may occur as we find out what works. We’ll communicate any changes, including our plans for moving into phases 2 and 3, in our weekly email newsletters.