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Bradford Bath and Tennis Club was founded in 1958 by two gentlemen who were searching for a tennis and swim facility to enjoy with their families.

Bradford is perched on 7.5 acres and includes three swimming pools, eight tennis courts, seasonal clubhouse with a snack bar, a family picnic area, and a breathtaking view of NYC!

In 2005, the club became member-owned and since that time has upgraded the club’s facilities by rebuilding all three swimming pools, adding a multi-purpose Sport Court, and rebuilding 6 of the 8 tennis courts with state of the art Hydro Court watering systems and landscaped viewing areas.

The club is governed by a Board of Trustees and continues to plan for the future with common purpose and a fond collegiality that is a Bradford hallmark.

  • Heritage
    • Bradford Bath and Tennis Club was founded in 1958 when two gentlemen, Allen Dumont and Theodore Cox, realized their local golf club had no plans to expand its facilities to include tennis and swimming. They decided to build a private tennis and swim club on an undeveloped portion of the Dumont property overlooking Upper Montclair so that their families and other members could enjoy athletic and social activities together in a relaxed and rustic setting.

      With only a dirt road access from Bradford Avenue, the club’s original plan was fairly modest. Workers cleared 11 acres of trees by hand and built the familiar clubhouse as well as an L-shaped pool, a wading pool, and a barbecue area with an unobstructed view of theManhattan skyline. Two tennis courts – Numbers 1 and 2 – were built in their present location. Membership initially comprised 150 families and 15 associates. The Dumont and Cox families (fathers and sons) sat on the Board of Directors and also served as club officers, presiding over a 19-person Board of Governors.

      Daily activities at Bradford in the early 1960s were similar to those today. The swim team competed against teams from Montclair Beach Club, Glen Ridge, and other towns. In tennis, Bradford joined 14 other New Jersey clubs in sponsoring twice weekly matches for competitive junior players. In the evenings, families enjoyed meals together over the barbecue.

      The club’s amenities continued to improve and grow. The first major improvement was the addition of tennis courts number 3 and 4. Courts 5 and 6 and the stadium stands were finished in 1974, just in time for the club to host a professional tennis tournament, The Perspectus, featuring U.S. Open champion Ilie Nastase. Later that year, Bradford constructed courts 7 and 8 and further enhanced member’s enjoyment of the club by building the beautifully-situated adult pool. The addition of paddle tennis courts followed in 1975.

      In 1981, Peter and Molly Cotton, with two partners, purchased Bradford from the founding ownership. Over the next 20 years, Bradford became known for its landscaped beauty, pristine maintenance, and exceptional tennis instruction. In 1985, the Cottons partnered with then Director of Tennis, Kevin McGlynn, and added even greater strength to the tennis program by erecting Air Bradford, a heated bubble over courts 7 and 8, so that men’s, women’s, and junior tennis could continue year-round.

      In 2005, the ownership decided to sell Bradford and its property. With preservation in mind, several members of the then existing Board of Governors formed a committee to negotiate a purchase of the club on behalf of the membership. An agreement for the club, with provisions for a potential purchase of the property, was finalized in 2006, and Todd Walter was elected as the first president of the member-owned club.

      Today, Bradford’s membership of 350 families work closely together with the professional staff to govern, sustain and advance this unique and much-loved club. Recent, completed projects include a full restoration and rebuild of the main and adult pools and an addition of a multi-purpose sports court. Our members continue to plan for the future with common purpose and a fond collegiality that is a Bradford hallmark.

       
  • Management Team
    • Rich LoMonte
      General Manager
      Ali Hilberth
      Controller and Director of Swim
      Jim Quagliana
      Director of Tennis
      Paige Ferrell
      Member Relations
         
  • Diversity and Inclusion at Bradford
    • We believe that a diverse, inclusive and engaged membership are the foundation of a vibrant community as a club and the long-term health of Bradford.

      In early 2021, the Board of Trustees of Bradford formed a Diversity & Inclusion Committee to lead the club’s efforts in diversity and inclusion. The goals of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee include:

      • promoting diversity and inclusion as part of Bradford’s culture and values; and
      • growing the presence and engagement of underrepresented groups in our club’s membership and management.


      Membership to Bradford is open to applications from all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin or citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status or parental status.  Every application is considered fairly and honestly in accordance with club rules.

      In addition, we are committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and do not discriminate on any basis that is prohibited by applicable law with respect to any terms or conditions of employment.

      Any incidents of harassment or discrimination should be reported to the General Manager, the President, or a member of the Board of Trustees in a timely manner.

  • Guest Information
    • Visiting the Club
      Guests are welcome to join members for a day or evening at Bradford.  A member must be present to register a guest upon their arrival and shall remain on the premises throughout the duration of the guest's visit. 

      Reminders for Guests While Visiting
      Proper tennis attire, of any color, must be worn on the outdoor tennis courts. Men and boys 10 and over must wear collared tennis shirts. No shirts with logos or imagery (other than a manufacturer logo or BBTC logo). 
      Bradford is a "No Smoking" facility at all times anywhere within the club
      Bradford ONLY permits inaudible use of all electronic devices, including cellphones, hand-held games, etc.

      Prospective Members
      For an informational tour of the club, please contact the office at [email protected] or 862.657.5100.

Contact Information

Address:

21 Woodstone Dr.
Cedar Grove, NJ 07009

Mailing Address:

PO Box 43429
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

Phone:

(862) 657-5100

Bradford Bath and Tennis Club logo
21 Woodstone Dr., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
Phone: (862) 657-5100
Mailing Address: PO Box 43429, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
© 2024 Bradford Bath & Tennis Club. All Rights Reserved.
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