Ocean City Aquatic Center To Close For Renovations In August

For over 40 years, the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center has been one of the unique perks for residents of Cape May County's northernmost community.

Ocean City Residents get use of the Recreational Pool and Fitness Center at a discount compared to Non-Residents, a value that is worth it for many year-round citizens. Located inside the Community Center at the corners of Simpson and Haven Avenues off 18th Street, you also find the Ocean City Public Library in the same building.

But after 46 years of continuous usage, the Aquatic Center needs repairs as Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said in a statement early in July. According to reports, the Pool's Main Draining Deck is failing and needs to be replaced.

What Is The Timeline For Repairs To The Ocean City Recreational Pool?

In a Press Release from the Ocean City Department of Community Services, the following update was given about when the Aquatic Center will be closing for Renovations:

"Beginning on Sunday, August 4, the Aquatic & Fitness Center pool and natatorium will be closed for a much-needed renovation project. The project will include replacement of the main drains, repair, and re-plastering of the pool, addition of tiled lane lines, improvements and repairs to the gutter system, and a complete renovation of the pool deck.
We anticipate the project to take 6 to 8 weeks and conclude sometime in late September. However, as many of you know, there are a variety of factors at play with any construction project, so the exact date of completion will become clearer as the project progresses."

Both Ocean City Residents and Non-Residents who have memberships to the Aquatic and Fitness Center are being offered the option to freeze their accounts. This freeze, if members opt in, will be in effect for the duration of the Renovation Project.

Dan Kelchner, the Ocean City Director of Community Services, explained at the June 27th City Council Meeting that this timeline for the Renovations was chosen because it will allow the Aquatic Center to be ready for the 2024-25 competitive swim season.

Ocean City is one of the few South Jersey Coastal Communities that has an Indoor Recreational Pool on the island. Hopefully, this renovation project will not take longer than has been projected for the town's residents.

One of the most beloved Coastal Communities in South Jersey, here are some of the reasons why the people love Ocean City think this Shore Town is special: