On Tuesday, the Town of Morrisville celebrated the opening of the renovated Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The facility, which closed in late 2018, has been welcoming a limited number of guests since Aug. 31. And with Gov. Roy Cooper’s Sept. 4 announcement easing restrictions on gyms and fitness facilities, programming is gradually being added.
Visitors to the center will be welcomed by improved amenities and expanded fitness offerings. The highlight of the roughly $8 million renovation is the three swimming areas covered by a glass natatorium, with a retractable ceiling and sliding doors providing an open-air atmosphere. Other features include new locker rooms, a large group fitness area, a new weight room and two lighted tennis courts.
With the refurbished tennis courts, staff is looking forward to offering more tennis sessions and adding pickleball classes, a sport popular with older visitors.
“We do have a pretty sizable senior population here,” said Kendal Smith, center supervisor. “A lot of people have moved to this area because they have children who work in the RTP area, so we’re delighted to serve that community.”
Morrisville’s population has grown from 1,200 in 1993 to nearly 30,000 residents. The center, constructed in 1988 and purchased by the town in 1993, was its first recreation facility. Minor improvements had been made to the facility over the years, but it has remained largely unchanged until the current renovations.
Smith is excited about giving more folks, of all ages, the opportunity to sweat and have fun at the same time.
“I think sometimes we get this competitive piece — who’s won, who’s lost,” Smith said. “The important piece, and we’ve forgotten that, is the joy of just being together and playing. That, I hope, is truly our philosophy — that we are together, just sweating and laughing.”
The tennis courts and swimming pool were open immediately for visitors. On Wednesday, the racquetball court opened, and the cardio deck and weight room opened with a limited capacity. On Monday, Sept. 14, the facility hours will be extended, water aerobics classes and karate programs will begin, and some existing outdoor classes will move inside.
Details about these and other programs are available on the MAFC website.
Does anyone teach water aerobics at this facility?
The water aerobics are scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 14. Details, including information about the instructors, are available on the MAFC website.
I would like to register for some swimming training for my kids who are 3 and 5 years old. Is there any sessions for them ?
For information on class availability, you will need to contact the Town of Morrisville or the Aquatic Center directly. That website is townofmorrisville.org/government/departments-services/parks-recreation-cultural-resources/morrisville-aquatics-and-fitness-center/mafc-aquatics