Pool and Aerobics Center Closing Begins on Monday

The pool and aerobics room at the Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center are still on schedule to close Monday, Aug. 8, for roof and HVAC improvements.

The facilities at the  are expected to remain closed until November.

Paid members of the center will have the option to "freeze" their memberships -- extending their expiration date by the length of time the facilities are closed, according to Recreation Manager Wendy Moyle. Members who wish to do so should complete a form available at the Aquatics and Fitness Center.

If members choose to continue their memberships, alternate locations have been set up.

For yoga and exercise classes:

• Aug. 8 to 21: Weekday morning (M-F 6:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.) and Monday night classes will be moved to the (entrance off of Haven Avenue).
• Aug. 22 to Sept. 4: Weekday morning (M-F 6:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.) and Monday night classes will be moved to the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk).
• Weekend and Night Classes: Will be held at the Senior Center at the Ocean City Community Center adjacent to the Aquatics and Fitness Center.

For swimming:

• Lap swimmers will be able to use the Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center at 501 Jerome Avenue in Margate at no charge. The pool will be available to non-lap swimmers with a four-month membership at a 50 percent discount. If you plan to use the pool there, let the front desk at the Aquatics and Fitness Center know. 

The Aquatics and Fitness Center suggests the following paid alternatives for swimmers who freeze their memberships:

• Mainland Regional High School: The indoor pool at 1301 Oak Avenue in Linwood has limited hours for lap and recreational swimmers. $3 daily for Northfield, Linwood and Somers Point residents. $8 daily for others. mainlandregional.net
• Whippoorwill Campground: The heated outdoor pool at 810 Route 9 South in Marmora is open for $2 daily. 609-390-3458
• Tilton Fitness: For $59 per month (the club will waive its registration fees), members can use the pools at the Northfield (3022 Hingston Ave., 609-646-2590) or Galloway Township (323 Pitney Road, 609-652-7706) locations. tiltonfitness.com
• Crest Haven pool: The indoor pool at 4 Moore Road in Cape May Court House will be available to lap and water exercise swimmers. Check for a fee and pool schedule in mid-August. 609-465-2720 or www.cmcspecialservices.org

City Council in June unanimously awarded a $2.8 million contract to W.G. Straga, Inc., of Pitman, for the roof and HVAC improvements, the final stage of a major renovation of the Ocean City Community Center, which includes the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, the Aquatics and Fitness Center and Senior Center.

Work is expected to be complete in time for the Ocean City High School swim teams to begin their seasons on Nov. 15.

The project includes: a new roof; a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system; emptying the pool, repairing cracks and repainting; a new deck surface; a new dehumidification system; a new water treatment system; replacing windows and doors; and completing the second-floor aerobics room, bathroom and other areas adjacent to the pool.

The project will not affect other areas of the Community Center: the exercise and weight room portion of the Fitness Center, Senior Center, Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Historical Museum and Ocean City Arts Center.