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Kids Corner

Dear New or Prospective Member
The American Recreation Association (ARA) has as its sole purpose the goal of providing recreational and dining facilities to the US Direct Hire employees of the US Embassy here in Dhaka.  Our facilities are able to support more than the complement of US Direct Hire employees and, with that in mind, we may also grant invited memberships to a limited number of other Americans.  As a member of this Club, you will have access to what we think is the most beautiful Club in town.  Our staff of 111 full time employees work constantly to ensure that the grounds and facilities stay in top condition - not an easy feat in this environment!  Let's look at the facilities:

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
The ARA offers several indoor and outdoor recreational facilities.  Our most popular outdoor attractions are the swimming pool, and two lighted tennis courts.  Tennis coaching is available from our experienced crew of markers for a minimal fee.  We have a basketball court that also doubles as a tennis practice court.  We also have an outdoor ping-pong table, badminton, volleyball net and two new playgrounds with equipment appropriate for all ages (under 5 and up to 12).

As for indoor diversions, we have a newly decorated kids playroom, complete with TV/VCR and lending library.  We also have an air-conditioned and well-equipped Fitness Room, squash court and all-purpose room (Bougainvillea Room) equipped with TV/VCR and stereo, and in addition we operate an inexpensive video rental library.

DINING FACILITIES
Your dining options run the gamut of great American-style food available for you every day of the week.  At the Embassy Canteen, breakfast and lunch are served daily.

On the Club grounds, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Courtyard Café (with both  air-conditioned indoor and screened-in outdoor seating areas).  An adult must accompany children under 10 at all times. The poolside Banana Cabana offers lunch, dinner and snacks every day.  Upstairs, the Outpost Pub and Rooftop offer dinner service daily.  In addition to the regular menu, we have soup of the day, vegetarian dish of the day and a wonderful array of desserts.

There are frequent specialty days/nights.  On Thursdays we have our popular Pizza Night and Friday our lunchtime barbeque.  Every Sunday we have a Manager's Special.  Every night in the Outpost Pub we have Happy Hour from 6-8 pm.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Throughout the year, the ARA sponsors various special events and activities such as tennis and squash tournaments and seasonal dances. We also host kids and adult programs for organizations like Boy/Girl Scouts, Dhaka American Women's Club, and the American International School.

SPECIAL SERVICES
The ARA offers full catering services from planning and preparation to serving and clean up.  Please see our catering menu for details.  Our multi-purpose Bougainvillea Room may be rented for private Workshops and meetings.  Many children enjoy their catered outdoor birthday parties by the poolside. We also offer the best birthday cakes in a variety of designs.

GENERAL ACCESS
The front gate is the only entrance open to members.  Be prepared to show your ID card when you enter.  All full members, for a fee, may bring guests into the facility the responsible members must remain with the guests at all times while they are on the grounds.  There are certain restrictions, please see the guest policy for more information.  Children under 12 may enter the facility only if accompanied by a parent or another adult Club member.  Ayahs are permitted access to assist in watching small children but are not a substitute for parental (or other adult Club member) authority and may not bring small children on to the grounds without the presence of that authority.  Further, ayahs are not permitted, under any circumstances, to be the supervising adult when children of any age are in the swimming pool.

FEES AND PURCHASES
Purchases by full members are made by charging to your account (member number) or by purchasing Cash Cards which are available from the waiters.  All tips should be billed to your account or Cash Card - no cash tips are allowed.

MONTHLY BILLING
Club members working at the Embassy receive their bills through inter-office mail all other members should pick up their bill from the cubbyholes near the restaurant.  Your monthly bill goes out by the 5th of each month and payment is due by the 15th.  Payments received after the 15th are subject to a $5 late fee and interest of 1% is charged if accounts have not been settled by the following month.  After 45 days' delinquency, the account is frozen and the member is denied access to the Club until the account is settled.

The Business Office is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.  After hours payment should be put in the drop-box located at the bottom of the stairs.  All deposits and monthly checks must be paid in US dollars.

OTHER INFORMATION
The US Ambassador has oversight responsibility for the Club.  The General Manager, working under the direction of the Board of Directors, supervises day-to-day administration.  The board is elected each October during the General Membership Meeting.  We encourage interested members to run for election to the Board at the general meeting.

Spend a weekend enjoying the diverse and refreshing facilities offered at the Club and you will see why we are such a big part of our members' lives. We are here to make your stay in Dhaka a little more like being at home.  We welcome all suggestions for services and activities.  Please stop by and see me whenever you get the chance.

General Manager

American Recreation Association