Dear John,

Harbin’s land and pools area are beginning to return. Following near-total devastation and a shocked year of dormancy, fire-wakened seeds are opening to life, and newly planted trees are taking firm root. The grasses, unmowed, long and lush now, paint our fields and hillsides a happy emerald green; and everywhere are wildflowers – riotous splatterings of remarkable colors. And amidst all this, construction: new water distribution, drainage, sewer and electrical systems; new walls and contours, a new pool and new pool finishes, a new sauna; shapes, colors, textures, flow... A new version of Harbin is slowly coming into form. Born of the old and reminiscent of it, yet also unfolding wholly as itself. Newer, simpler, more spacious and open: Harbin as a work in process, being readied to become discovered.

In this issue of our newsletter: springtime photos, construction progress, a profile of the manager who’s leading our rebuild, a look at a social-services program that continues to help us in multiple ways, and a new best estimate for our opening date.

Rebuild Notes

For Harbin’s Phase 1 opening, our efforts have been focused primarily on clearing, repairing, revitalizing, and enhancing our mainside soaking pools, the systems that support them, and the areas around them. For updates on our progress with this centerpiece of the Harbin experience, and elsewhere on our property, click here.

Meet The Managers

What happens when the resort you’ve devoted more than three decades of your life to enjoying, building and managing, is suddenly almost completely destroyed? If you’re Sajjad Mahmud, you take a deep breath, rally yourself out of a contemplative retirement, and step up to the myriad complexities and challenges of rebuilding the place and community you love. Click here to learn more about the manager who is leading Harbin’s rebuild.

Community Support At Its Best

When there’s no clear path forward, who steps in to help? For Harbin and many of our people, the California Human Development (CHD) organization has provided unexpected and critically needed programs of support. To read about Harbin’s highly positive experience with this leading social services group, please click here.

Looking Toward An Autumn Opening

It’s always a challenge to predict the future: as the saying goes, “If you want to see God laugh, make plans.” Barring unforeseen circumstances, however, we’re now anticipating that Harbin will be open by Wednesday, October 4. Keep checking future Harbin newsletters and our website for confirmation or changes to this date. And please note that it’s not possible for us to take reservations yet; we’ll let you know when it is, and ask that you please save your calls until then.

Visit our Website

Harbin Hot Springs, P.O. Box 782, Middletown, CA 95461