A vacation dream. You know the kind. You're away from the phones and
responsibilities of everyday life and your imagination soars. In the
mid-1960s, Don Lybarger, a young, successful Cleveland businessman
visited the Miami Racquet Club on his vacation. That started his dream
of making a similar kind of club available to Clevelanders. Don's
background in construction and the restaurant business — along
with his love for tennis and entertainment — meant that this
was one vacation dream that wouldn't end at the Hopkins Airport baggage
claim.
The Club property was acquired in 1967. At that time it was simply
a charming century farmhouse on thirty acres of land on Snyder Road
and East Washington Street. The setting was strictly rural: nearby
McFarland's Corner was just that — a corner. Don Lybarger had
a lot of vision.
Crews went right to work putting in locker rooms and a snack bar,
installing har-tru clay tennis courts and a large concrete-lined
swim lake, complete with beach. By the end of 1969 the Club had
approximately 150 members. The dream was coming true.
The next ten years brought almost continuous additions and improvements:
"I realized that our members needed a place to exercise, play
tennis and enjoy each other's company during the cold months,"
Mr. Lybarger noted. Up went indoor tennis courts, member dining
rooms and a banquet facility. An indoor swimming pool was added.
CVAC gained a reputation as a family club with extensive offerings
year-round, great parties and a friendly environment. Some things
never change.
Large additions to the fitness center and locker rooms were made
in the 1980s. Disaster struck in March 1984 when fire destroyed
the Club's tennis complex. Undaunted, Don flew back from Ft. Lauderdale
where he was living and began rebuilding the indoor tennis complex.
Only this time it was bigger and better.
In 1992 Mr. Lybarger sold the Club to Jim Rosenberger.
The new owner brought renewed vision that included local, hands-on
management and a commitment to continuous improvement and member
satisfaction.
