Anchor Bay Aquatic Center Unveils Fitness Center, Child Watch Program and More

Fitness on land and water is now feasible at Anchor Bay Schools Aquatic Center in New Baltimore.

The center, boasting an indoor heated pool, now claims a fitness room, child-watch play area and so-called fun room for parties, classes and meetings. The renovations began soon after voters approved the aquatic center millage in spring and were unveiled Wednesday night.

Anchor Bay band members kicked off the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Superintendent Leonard Woodside, school board members, student swimmers, community officials and district employees.

"I'm really excited about this because this truly is a big community center," Woodside said. "This is one of the flagships for those who live in the Anchor Bay area."

He praised the community for supporting the aquatic center.

Fitness center, family fun

The fitness room opened a couple weeks ago and has been used frequently by guests.

"It's really having a good response," Aquatic Center Coordinator Colleen Mellon said.

The price to workout in the fitness room is $15 a month for district residents and non-residents. The child watch room is also intended to be affordable for families. It's $2 per child each visit. Parents must stay on the premises while their children are in the room. Prices vary for parties in the center's fun room, but the rates include swim time for up to 20 guests, Mellon said.

The total project cost for the center upgrades was approximately $65,000, including the workout equipment in the fitness room, she said.

The new rooms were previously used for other reasons, such as classes and selling swimming equipment. Today, they're modernized and more functional. About 500 people use the aquatic center a week, with roughly 35 programs offered, according to the center.

Open house, free activities

A family open house and free activities day is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 at the center. Hot dogs will be served from noon to 2 p.m. and there will be complimentary child watch all day for those using the center.

For more information about the Anchor Bay Schools Aquatic Center, visit its website or call 586-716-4623.