EMERALD OASIS @ MANDALA SPRINGS
PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT
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I. PRIVATE ASSOCIATION STATUS
Emerald Oasis Club operates as a Private Membership Association (PMA) at Mandala Springs, a 67-acre USDA Certified Organic farm in Barnardsville, NC.
By joining, you acknowledge:
• This is NOT a public accommodation or commercial business
• This is a private contractual community operating under contract law
• Access is restricted to registered members only
• I am voluntarily choosing to become a private member
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II. MEMBERSHIP DUES & CONSIDERATION
Your contribution supports land stewardship and sanctuary infrastructure:
☀ Weekly — $2 (7 days access)
🌕 Monthly — $4 (30 days access)
🌳 Seasonal — $10 (90 days access)
🌲 Annual — $20 (365 days access) ← Recommended
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III. MEMBER ACCESS
Your membership grants the following privileges:
💧 Spring Water — Unlimited fill-ups (15-min parking limit)
📱 Booking Access — Exclusive ability to reserve Camping, Sauna, and Day Passes
EXTENDED VISITS (Booking Required)
Use your Booking Access to reserve these experiences:
🥾 Oasis Day Pass — Hiking, Swimming, Gardens & Zen Lounge
• Includes access to Trails, Creek, Garden Terraces, and Zen Lounge
• Limited availability — book in advance to guarantee parking
🏕 Camping — Overnight via booking portal
🔥 Sauna & Cold Plunge — Booking required (check availability)
📅 Classes & Events — See Emerald Oasis website
ACCESS RULES:
✓ Camping bookings automatically include Oasis Pass access
✓ Oasis Day Pass, Sauna Booking, or Event Ticket required for all other extended visits
⚠ PARKING ALERT: Parking is limited and zoned by activity. All extended visits must be booked in advance to guarantee a spot.
GUEST POLICY
• Members are responsible for their guests
• I may not bring non-member guests onto the property unless they also join Emerald Oasis Club and sign this agreement prior to entry
• I assume full liability for any guests I bring who have not completed this membership agreement
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IV. COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
🤫 Quiet Hours: 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM (sound carries in the valley)
🚭 SUBSTANCE-FREE & DRY COMPOUND
• We Steward a clear and safe Oasis for our Members
• No alcohol or illicit substances
• No smoking or vaping
• Violation results in immediate removal or appropriate action
🐕 DOGS
• All guest dogs must remain leashed at all times
• Resident dogs are working farm animals — do not approach without staff
• No aggressive or reactive dogs permitted
• Do not leave dogs unattended
• I accept full financial responsibility for any injury or damage caused by my dog to livestock, property, resident dogs, or other guests
👶 Supervise children at all times
📵 Respect privacy — no photography of others without consent
💚 Be kind and respectful — no gossip, drama, or entitlement
🚗 Park in designated areas only
🔊 No amplified music or generators
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V. ENVIRONMENTAL RULES
Mandala Springs is a USDA Certified Organic Forest Farm.
🚶 Stay on marked trails
🦋 Do not feed or disturb wildlife
🍄 No foraging or plant picking without permission
🗑 Leave No Trace — pack out all trash
🚽 Use composting toilets and portable latrine only
🔥 Fires in designated metal rings only
— No open flames, candles, or incense inside structures or on wooden decks
💧 No soaps, shampoos, or chemicals in streams or springs
🌿 Use natural repellents and cleaners only
☀ No chemical sunscreens, DEET, pesticides, or sprays
🚫 No single-use plastic water bottles
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VI. LIABILITY WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
AGRITOURISM WARNING (NC Gen. Stat. § 99E-32)
"WARNING
Under North Carolina law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity."
ASSUMPTION OF RISK (Terrain & Environment)
• I acknowledge this is a working forest farm, not a hotel or resort
• Hazards include but are not limited to: uneven terrain, water hazards, wildlife encounters, poisonous plants, falling branches, steep cliffs, creek crossings, inclement weather, and physical exertion
• I voluntarily assume all risks, known and unknown, associated with hiking, camping, swimming, and all outdoor activities
• I understand that Mandala Springs is a working USDA Certified Organic farm with active agricultural operations, resident animals, farm equipment, and natural terrain that has not been modified for public recreation
• I understand that weather and environmental conditions may affect access, facilities, trail availability, and the availability of certain experiences at any time without advance notice
CREEK CROSSING DISCLOSURE
Camping-side access requires crossing Mineral Creek via a primitive footbridge. Water levels vary with rainfall and season. In high-water conditions, access may be restricted, bridges may be removed, and relocation to road-side facilities or departure may be required. These conditions are inherent to this agricultural setting. All members must follow posted creek safety guidance.
RAW WATER NOTICE
• I understand the spring water is raw, living, unpasteurized water
• It is regularly tested but not treated or filtered
• I understand this water source is not regulated, inspected, or treated by the County Health Department or the FDA
• I choose to consume it based on my own research and private contract rights
• I consume it at my own discretion and assume all associated risks
THERMAL THERAPY WAIVER (Sauna & Cold Plunge)
• I acknowledge that thermal therapy involves extreme temperature changes
• Use of the sauna and cold plunge requires at least one other person present at all times (buddy system). I agree to report any medical distress immediately to staff or fellow members
• I assume full responsibility for heat exhaustion, hypothermia, or any thermal-related injury
• I will not use thermal facilities while under the influence of alcohol or substances
MEDICAL DISCLOSURE
Members who are pregnant, have a seizure disorder, or take medications that impair heat regulation must disclose these conditions to Emerald Oasis Club staff before participating in thermal wellness experiences. Members who participate without disclosure accept full responsibility.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin, hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Emerald Oasis Club, Emerald Ascent LLC, Mandala Springs LLC, and their respective owners, operators, officers, agents, stewards, staff, volunteers, and fellow members (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, actions, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities of whatever kind or nature, whether known or unknown, arising out of or related to my participation in any activities at the property, including but not limited to personal injury, death, property damage, or financial loss, whether caused by negligence, the condition of the premises, or any other cause, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Released Parties.
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VII. INDEMNIFICATION
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees), and liabilities arising from: (a) my actions or omissions while on the property; (b) the actions or omissions of any minor child under my supervision; (c) the actions of any guest I bring onto the property; or (d) any breach of this agreement by me.
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VIII. MINORS
This agreement covers all minor children (under 18) accompanying the signing member. By signing, I represent that I am the parent or legal guardian of any minor child I bring onto the property. I accept all terms of this agreement on their behalf, including the assumption of risk, liability waiver, and community guidelines. I agree to supervise my children at all times while on the property.
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IX. MEMBERSHIP TERMINATION
Emerald Oasis Club reserves the right to suspend or revoke any membership at any time for violation of community guidelines, safety rules, or the terms of this agreement. Grounds for immediate termination include but are not limited to: possession or use of alcohol or illicit substances on the property, aggressive or threatening behavior, damage to property or natural resources, or repeated violation of community guidelines. No refund of membership dues will be issued upon termination for cause. Emerald Oasis Club may, at its sole discretion, issue a partial refund for terminations not related to misconduct.
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X. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina. Any dispute arising from or relating to this agreement or any activities conducted at the property shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Buncombe County, North Carolina. The parties agree that any such dispute shall first be submitted to good-faith mediation before initiating litigation. If any provision of this agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.