Rosemarie Madden: A Testament to Lifelong Fitness and Community Spirit
At 86 years old, Rosemarie Madden, affectionately known as “Ree” to her friends, embodies the spirit of vitality and resilience. A resident of Ocean City, Ree has made swimming at the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center an integral part of her daily routine. For the past 25 years, she has immersed herself in the Olympic-sized pool, finding joy and fitness in the water. However, her routine was recently disrupted when the pool underwent extensive repairs, leaving her and many other dedicated swimmers longing for their daily aquatic escape.
The Importance of Swimming
For Ree, swimming is not just a form of exercise; it is a vital component of her well-being. “It is very, very, very important. I missed it terribly,” she expressed, highlighting the emotional and physical benefits she derives from her daily swims. The closure of the pool for two months was a significant adjustment for her, underscoring how deeply intertwined her life is with this community resource.
A Grand Reopening
On a bright Monday morning, the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center celebrated the reopening of its pool with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Jay Gillian led a delegation of city, county, and state officials, along with community members, to commemorate the occasion. Dr. Fred Weber, a retired surgeon and regular pool user, had the honor of cutting the ribbon with oversized scissors, symbolizing the return of a cherished community hub.
Mayor Gillian expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during the renovation process, which began on August 5 and cost approximately $792,000. “This is another one of those community things that we do where everybody benefits,” he remarked, emphasizing the pool’s significance to residents of all ages.
Honoring a Legacy
The pool, officially named the Tony Mazzitelli Natatorium, serves as a tribute to a beloved community member who faced muscular dystrophy. Mazzitelli utilized the pool extensively to manage his condition, and Mayor Gillian took a moment to honor his memory during the ceremony. “That’s what Ocean City is all about. It’s always, who does it affect? This pool, this water, helps so many people,” he stated, reinforcing the pool’s role in enhancing the quality of life for many.
Renovations and Accessibility
The renovation project addressed the aging infrastructure of the pool, which was built 46 years ago. A critical failure of the main drainage pipeline necessitated the repairs, but the city seized the opportunity to enhance the facility further. Improvements included replastering the pool, installing tiled lane markers, and adding a new soft rubber surface around the pool area. Notably, a new handicap lift was installed, ensuring that swimmers with disabilities can access the water safely and comfortably.
A Community Resource
The Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center is more than just a swimming pool; it is a vital resource for the community. It hosts a variety of programs, including swimming lessons, a youth swim team, varsity teams from Ocean City High School, adult lap swimming, and specialized programs for individuals with spinal cord injuries or disabilities. The facility also supports the Special Olympics and senior exercise programs, catering to a diverse range of users. According to city officials, members check in to the facility over 100,000 times each year, with an estimated 4,000 individual users annually.
Dan Kelchner, the city’s director of Community Services, noted the excitement surrounding the pool’s reopening. “It is a tremendous resource for the community,” he said. “I can’t overstate how much usage the pool gets and how excited the community is to get it back.”
A Joyful Return
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ree and her fellow swimmers were eager to dive back into the water. As the first group to use the pool since the renovations, they celebrated their return with high-fives and laughter. Leslie Jordan, a 70-year-old retired executive assistant, joined Ree in expressing her joy. “It’s wonderful here. It’s where I make the most of my fun,” she said, reflecting on the camaraderie and enjoyment that swimming brings.
Jordan, who swims three to five times a week, echoed Ree’s sentiments about the importance of the pool in their lives. “It’s just so much fun. I can do so much here,” she added, highlighting the social and physical benefits of their aquatic activities.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center’s pool marks a significant milestone for the community, reaffirming the importance of accessible recreational facilities for residents of all ages. For individuals like Rosemarie Madden, swimming is not just a pastime; it is a lifeline that fosters health, happiness, and connection. As the community dives back into the water, the spirit of togetherness and resilience shines brightly, reminding everyone of the power of shared spaces and collective joy.
For more information on programs and memberships at the Aquatic & Fitness Center, visit www.ocnj.us/AquaticFitnessCenter.
