On Sept. 8, a message was sent to students and parents via Student Square by Assistant Principal Dan Lakly, notifying them that the Flat Creek Country Club, its arbor and surrounding grounds will not be available for homecoming photographers on Saturday, Sept. 27, the day of the homecoming dance.
Last year, many students and parents used the club for their photos while a wedding was taking place, which resulted in overcrowding at the venue. To avoid a repeat this year, the club will have security personnel stationed at the entrance to protect the privacy of the wedding party and their guests.
An Instagram poll posted on the McIntosh Legend Yearbook Instagram account indicated that 50 percent of respondents had visited Flat Creek for homecoming photos in previous years.
“The Flat Creek venue [is] really pretty. We scheduled with [Flat Creek] even though [other students taking pictures] just randomly came and ruined our photos because they snuck in,” Lila Langabeer (12) said.
The country club has been a popular spot for homecoming photos, leaving students like junior Marisabel Rodriguez wondering where they will go now. Alternative locations being suggested for homecoming photos include Drake Field and the Avenue.
“If [the club] is closed, there are different places and venues you could go to, like the lake,” Rodriguez said.
The closing of the Flat Creek venue affects McIntosh High School students and parents, as it may require adjustments to plans that were made earlier in the year. Carpool schedules, group gatherings and photo sessions may need to be reorganized at different locations. With the venue now unavailable, increased traffic and parking congestion may occur at alternative locations where multiple groups gather.
“Since Flat Creek was such a huge venue and it is going to be closed down, I think it is going to be hard to find a place to take homecoming photos,” Rodriguez said.
