Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center opens

Montgomery County officials held a ribbon-cutting Saturday to inaugurate the new Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center at 1319 Apple Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. County Executive Marc Elrich and his predecessor Ike Leggett were joined by County Council President Andrew Friedson, and representatives from the County's Department of General Services, the County Recreation Department, Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, and Holy Cross Health to cut the blue "Grand Opening" ribbon. At 120,000-square-feet in size, the facility holds pools for swimming, low level diving, exercise, aquatic play, training and teaching opportunities; a gymnasium, a fitness center, movement and dance studios, multipurpose activity rooms, staff offices, a teaching kitchen, café, a new home for the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame, public use space and "social space." 

Some programming at the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center will be free for County residents. Other classes and programs at the facility have a fee, and pool access requires paid admission or a membership. County residents are encouraged to sign up for a free RecFit pass for access to the fitness room, open gym/drop-in activities and the game room. Full information on programs and fees can be found on the facility's website.

The $72 million center has been an object of envy for residents in Bethesda and the Upcounty area since it was announced. Its debut hasn't been all hearts and flowers, however. One resident has complained on social media about the limited hours of the indoor children's pool area. Some have theorized that may just be an early staffing issue, as the County is currently recruiting employees for the summer season.

“The Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center will be a great addition for Silver Spring,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a statement. “The residents of downtown Silver Spring and nearby communities have been looking forward to the opening of this facility, and I think they will be impressed with the amenities and activities there. This is the first County recreation center in downtown Silver Spring and offers a variety of ways for residents to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I want to thank our General Services and Recreation Departments for creating this beautiful, eco-friendly facility. We invite residents to take full advantage of everything the center has to offer.”

Photos courtesy Montgomery County Government