CSM Wellness and Aquatics Center Grand Opening Sept. 28

Swimming pools at the new Wellness and Aquatics Center on the Leonardtown campus of CSM. (Submitted photo)

LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Sept. 23, 2010)—The College of Southern Maryland will celebrate the grand opening and dedication of its newest facility, the Wellness and Aquatics Center, located in Building D at the Leonardtown Campus, from 2 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28. The event is open to the public.

Watching the 'big hole in the ground' transform into the center on the Leonardtown Campus has been a wonderful experience, according to Vice President and Dean of the Leonardtown Campus Dr. F.J. Talley.

"This facility has been 10 years in the making, and given the strong response we've been receiving from the public, they're excited about what the Wellness and Aquatics Center will be providing to St. Mary's County," said Talley, who was among those with shovel in hand to break ground in 2008 and will be on hand for the center's dedication and grand opening ceremony. "We designed this facility with a committee of community leaders from such areas as St. Mary's Hospital, the county Department of Recreation and Parks, the public schools, and several private individuals. We're sure this center will be an asset to our county, and will help contribute to even healthier lifestyles in the years ahead."

Funded through the state's 2009 capital budget, the construction of the facility was shared between the state of Maryland (at 75 percent) and St. Mary's County Government (at 25 percent). In conjunction with the facility, additional parking is being phased in at the campus, with 120 spots anticipated when completed; 60 spaces will be open for students and visitors on the first day of classes, Sept. 7.

The center features a fitness center, two group exercise studios, a six-lane, 25-yard, lap pool and a zero-depth-entry therapy pool.

For information on memberships and classes, call 240-725-5370 or visit www.csmd.edu/PersonalEnrichment/WFR/Aquatics/.