My favorite season in Fort Hunt is summer. The weather is beautiful, making it the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors—from visiting the Potomac River and looping Fort Hunt Park to post-dinner bike rides nearly every night. But my absolute favorite thing to do? Hang out at the neighborhood pool. I believe the pod-mentality of the 1960s helped inspire the creation of community pools in each neighborhood, and we’re all better for it. These pools aren’t just about swimming—they’re social hubs. We run into school friends on weeknights and weekends, and enjoy activities like swim team, tennis, and nonstop community events.
Thinking about joining a pool or tennis club in the Fort Hunt area this summer? With so many great local options, there’s truly something for everyone—whether you’re after swim team fun for the kids, low-key tennis socials, lap lanes and diving boards, or a packed calendar of holiday events and summer hangouts. Below is a guide to some of the area’s most popular community clubs and private associations.
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Stratford Recreation Association (2300 Brinitzer Way)
Stratford Recreation Association (SRA) is a community-owned, family-friendly pool and club on 7 wooded acres near Little Hunting Creek. The complex includes a 7,325 sq ft main pool with a zero-entry shallow end, bubblers, and a diving well, plus a separate gated toddler pool. The deck features lounge chairs, picnic tables, grills, a playground, and a sand volleyball court for fun-filled days outdoors. The club also offers tennis courts, a pavilion, and organized swim/dive teams.
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Membership: New members purchase a one-time share and pay annual dues ($825 in 2025, or $975 for a seasonal "leased membership"). Membership is open to residents in Stratford Landing, Riverside Gardens, Plymouth Haven, and adjacent neighborhoods. Dues are due by April 1 each year.
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Events & Extras: Members enjoy summer swim and dive teams, poolside socials (like BBQ contests and holiday parties), pavilion rentals, playdates, and Fourth of July events. Tennis and swim lessons are also available.
Riverside Gardens Swim and Tennis Club (8633 Buckboard Drive)
Founded in 1965, Riverside Gardens is a tight-knit swim and tennis club located on 3.5 acres. It offers three pool areas (including a 25m main pool and baby pool), two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a basketball half-court, playground, sand volleyball, and picnic patio with grills. A full bathhouse and snack bar complete the summer setup. The club operates Memorial Day through Labor Day and is home to the "Tsunami" swim team.
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Membership: Limited to approximately 275 families. Prospective members apply online with a $100 nonrefundable fee (credited toward first-year dues). Legacy Pass options are available for longtime seniors.
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Key Amenities: Three pools (competition, baby, slide pool), lap lanes, snack bar, tennis/pickleball courts, playground.
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Events: NVSL swim meets, tennis socials, kids' ice cream parties, adult wine nights, food truck evenings, and Dive-in movies.
Waynewood Recreation Association (1025 Dalebrook Drive)
Waynewood Recreation Association (WRA) is a large, well-equipped neighborhood club at Dalebrook and Waynewood Blvd. Facilities include two 25m pools (one with a 3m diving board), a 48-foot water slide, fenced toddler pool, and a massive pool deck. The park also offers three lighted tennis courts, enclosed basketball court, two baseball fields, a playground, and open space for sports.
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Membership: Open only to residents within WRA boundaries. New members join a waitlist (application opens Feb 1, $50 fee). As of 2024, membership certificate is $975 and annual dues are $850. A 4–5 year wait is typical, though an “Approved User” program offers limited earlier access.
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Key Amenities: Two Olympic-size pools, diving well, water slide, baby pool, fenced deck, sports fields, snack bar.
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Events: Home to the Waynewood Dolphins swim team, plus camps, masters swim, dog days, movie nights, and seasonal parties.
Hollin Meadows Swim & Tennis Club (2500 Woodlawn Trail)
Set in the Hollin Hills neighborhood, Hollin Meadows is a wooded, 5-acre club with a 25m pool (with diving well and lap lanes), fenced toddler pool, five lighted tennis courts, ping-pong and cornhole, a small fitness area, and playground. The club fields NVSL swim teams and offers lessons, clinics, and a full social calendar.
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Membership: One-time $850 initiation plus annual dues based on household size. Membership is open to the public (space permitting).
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Key Amenities: Pool with lap lanes and shallow end, toddler pool, tennis courts, playground, game areas, shaded deck.
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Events: Swim meets, tennis ladders, potlucks, field trips, and family-friendly holiday socials.
Hollin Hills Pool, Pickleball & Tennis Club (1602 & 1604 Paul Spring Road)
The Hollin Hills Pool has served the neighborhood for 70+ years and includes two large water slides, a shaded toddler wading pool, playground, lap swim times, and seasonal fitness classes. Adjacent, the Pickleball & Tennis Club offers six outdoor pickleball courts and multiple tennis options.
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Membership: Open to Hollin Hills residents and CAHH member families. Pool membership requires a one-time fee and annual dues by household. HHPTC requires separate initiation and annual fees.
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Key Amenities: Water slides, toddler pool, snack bar, six pickleball courts, year-round tennis court.
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Events: Swim lessons, water aerobics, social nights, round-robins, and family parties.
Mount Vernon Park Association (8042 Fairfax Road)
Known as “Little Hunting Park,” this 13-acre wooded retreat serves 600+ families. It features a 50m pool, a 25m competition pool, wading pool, four tennis courts, picnic areas, volleyball, playground, and a one-acre fishing pond. The club runs the NVSL Gators swim team.
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Membership: Waitlist with application fee, $1,000 initiation, and dues based on family size (2025 base rate: $638 + $89.25/person).
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Key Amenities: Three pools, tennis courts, volleyball, playground, pond, picnic areas.
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Events: Swim meets, fitness classes, crab feasts, July 4th celebrations, and family-friendly events all summer.
Mansion House Swim, Tennis & Dive Club (9321 Old Mount Vernon Road)
Located in the heart of Mount Vernon, Mansion House Swim, Tennis & Dive Club (MHC) is a beloved neighborhood club offering both recreation and competition. The facility features a 25-meter pool with lap lanes and a diving well, a gated toddler pool, three tennis courts (one lined for pickleball), a basketball hoop, and a playground. There’s ample deck space with umbrellas, grills, and both sun and shade seating areas.
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Membership: Requires a one-time $950 membership share purchase and annual dues ($875 for 2025). Membership is open to the public and includes access to all facilities, youth programs, and social events. A limited number of seasonal memberships may be available.
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Key Amenities: Full-size pool, diving well, toddler pool, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball area, playground, and shaded lounge areas.
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Events: A robust summer calendar including swim and dive meets (home to the NVSL Sharks), Friday socials, July 4th games, movie nights, potlucks, and tennis and pickleball programming.
Belle Haven Country Club (6023 Fort Hunt Road)
A private, full-service club founded in 1924, Belle Haven CC features an 18-hole golf course, fitness center, eight outdoor clay and five indoor tennis courts, platform tennis, and seasonal pools. The club emphasizes multi-generational community and hosts elegant events year-round.
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Membership: Invite-only, typically requiring sponsorship. Initiation fees are high.
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Key Amenities: Golf, pools, tennis, fitness center, clubhouse dining.
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Events: Annual holiday parties, golf and tennis tournaments, wine nights, and summer fireworks.
Mount Vernon Country Club (5111 Old Mill Road)
MVCC is a private club known for golf, swimming, and tennis on historic grounds. The 18-hole course is Audubon-certified. The club also features a 25m pool, tennis/pickleball courts, fitness center, and year-round dining and events.
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Membership: By invitation only; membership categories vary.
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Key Amenities: Championship golf, pool with grill, tennis/pickleball, clubhouse dining.
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Events: Cocktail parties, kids’ cooking classes, casino nights, and weddings.
Sources: Official club websites and local publications. Information verified as of 2025.
