Randallstown Community Center made a big splash when it opened in 2009 as Baltimore County’s largest community center and featured a six-lane, 5,800-square-foot indoor swimming pool.
The Y of Central Maryland operated the county-owned swim center, where thousands of residents have taken swim lessons, participated in water fitness programs and enjoyed recreational swimming. Those without Y memberships could use the pool during designated open-swim hours for a nominal fee.
That arrangement, however, is coming to an end.
In April, the Y notified county officials that it would not be renewing the lease, citing space limitations, a lack of capital investment and inability to offer a full suite of programs and activities that are part of the organization’s model. The decision threw the future of the swim center into question. The Y also is ending its contract to operate the aquatic center in Dundalk.
However, county officials recently announced that help is on the way. The Department of Recreation and Parks will assume management of the pools effective Aug. 31, according to a July 29 press release. Officials did not say whether there will be any interruption in service during the transition.
The county’s decision follows advocacy by District 4 Councilman Julian Jones, in whose district the swim center is located. Jones expressed in an email update last April and town hall he organized last his commitment to keeping the pool open and accessible to the public. Jones told community members who had voiced concerns that closing the pool would negatively affect their health, fitness and quality of life that he was working with county officials to ensure a smooth transition and continuation of activities.
As the county develops a short-term plan for operating the two pools, Recreation and Parks is seeking public input. Residents can complete a survey and weigh in on preferred hours of operation, programming and activities. The department also will host public listening sessions from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Dundalk Elementary School and Aug. 18 at Randallstown Community Center.
County officials say feedback from the survey and listening sessions will help shape future swim programs, operating hours and other offerings at the Randallstown center.
The survey is available on the Department of Recreation and Parks’ aquatic centers and programs page.
Photos: Janet Anderson, Northwest Voice