Leisure World of Maryland Breaks Ground on New Fitness Center

Leisure World, MD — As Leisure World of Maryland prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the state's premier active adult community is building a new and improved fitness center slated to open in November 2016. Residents and management gathered last week to break ground on the 5,300-square-foot facility, which will significantly expand the footprint of the community’s Clubhouse II.

“Increasingly, both our new and longtime residents are prioritizing health and fitness, “ said Leisure World General Manager Kevin Flannery. “The new facility is designed to meet that demand by accommodating more people and by providing more equipment and variety. This will be a wonderful convenience for our residents, whether they’re getting their workouts in before or after work or are retirees seeking to improve their fitness levels.”

Leisure World is continuously adapting and innovating to meet the evolving needs of residents. The new fitness center is part of a multiyear Facilities Enhancement Plan that includes a newly renovated ballroom and redesigned restaurant spaces, as well as a new administration building. This project expands an existing exercise room that had a previous life as a bowling alley into an upgraded space more than double the size and with new equipment. Highlights include cardio machines, a strength fitness zone, a balancing and stretching area, and a 20-person private workout studio that will accommodate classes. The new fitness center will offer golf course views, an outdoor plaza/retreat area, and easy access to restrooms and locker rooms.

Clubhouse II also features an indoor swimming complex, an auditorium, game room with billiards tables, outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a ceramics studio, model train room, computer center and several activities rooms.

Clubhouse I includes the community’s outdoor pool and expansive lanai, as well as the Crystal Ballroom, Eyre Travel office, a library, three restaurants including two bars, an art studio, the offices of the Leisure World newspaper, lawn bowling, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, as well meeting rooms that accommodate catered events, community governance meetings, and educational courses and lectures.

The community’s extensive recreational amenities also include a wide variety of exercise classes and countless other opportunities for residents who are sports enthusiasts, hobbyists, and more creatively and socially inclined. For those with a green thumb, Leisure World offers community gardens where residents tend their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. At the center of the community is an 18-hole, executive golf course, and walking trails winding throughout the property. In addition, there is a MedStar medical facility within Leisure World.

Streetsense of Bethesda, Md., served as the main architects and designed the fitness center’s interior. The general contractor for the project is Morgan Keller, based in Frederick, Md. Stantec of Germantown, Md., is serving as the civil engineer and landscape designer. Structura of Rockville, Md., is the structural engineer, while the Potomac Engineering Group of Falls Church, Va., is the project’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer.

About Leisure World of Maryland

Founded in 1966, Leisure World of Maryland is celebrating its 50th anniversary in September 2016. Located in Montgomery County, the state's premier active adult community is home to more than 8,000 diverse residents age 55 and older. A private, gated enclave, the 610-acre community is known for its meticulously maintained landscaping and expansive services and amenities. The perks include an 18-hole golf course, medical facilities, a bank and post office, two clubhouses with restaurants, pools, tennis courts, fitness center, a ballroom, auditorium, meeting rooms and an extensive program of events and activities. Leisure World residents own their homes and enjoy an array of housing options, including luxury condominiums, town-homes, duplex patio homes and single-family homes.