OPS to hold grand opening for aquatic center Dec. 10

By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor

In October 2021, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Otsego Public Schools’ new aquatic center.
And now the center is ready for its close-up.
OPS will host the grand opening celebration for the Otsego Aquatic Center from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10.
A ceremony commemorating the facility’s opening is slated to take place from 3 to 3:30 p.m., followed by a free open swim.
The event will also feature raffle prizes, tours of the facility and refreshments.
According to OPS superintendent Jeff Hasse, the more, the merrier.
“We hope to have a huge crowd to help us officially open this facility,” Haase said. “Our community has been so supportive over the last two years during construction that we hope they’ll help us usher in a new era in aquatics at OPS.”
Funds for the aquatic center were secured through the passage of a millage in May 2020. Construction of the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new aquatic center is adjacent to Otsego High School. The old pool was located at Washington Street Elementary School.
“This $15 million dollar facility will open as one of the premier pool facilities around,” OPS said in a press release. “Almost twice the size as our current facility, it was designed with both competition and community in mind.”
The new pool is 25 meters by 25 yards. There are 11 swimming lanes, including eight competition lanes. Deck seating with ample space for spectators should make the facility attractive for larger swim meets and competitions.
Otsego is already scheduled to host the Southwest and Central Swim Conference Championship Meet in February, something the district was unable to do at the old pool.
For community members, the pool has a separate outside entrance, multiple locker rooms and universal changing areas. A community room for party rentals is also available.
“Our aquatic center director Maggie Darnell has been expanding programming offerings and is looking at new opportunities to bring to the new pool for all ages and abilities for our community, families and students,” stated the district’s release.
The programming for the winter includes:

• AM lap swim Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 7 a.m.
• PM lap swim Monday through Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Aqua Aerobics Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Deep Water Aerobics Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Private Lessons (available by appointment only with limited availability) Wednesday a.m. and Saturday a.m. 
• Group Lessons (more information coming soon on the district’s website)
• Open Swim Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Private/Party Rentals available Saturdays between 12 and 6 p.m. (email Darnell at mdarnell@otsegops.org to reserve)
• Coming soon Lifeguarding Class February 2024
  “During school hours through the spring, we will be hosting PE swim units,” Darnell said. “We we’re excited to offer in-depth swim & water safety classes for fourth through 12th graders.
  “We will also have special education classes coming for class swims to have fun, exercise and work on water-safety skills.”
  The facility is located at 550 Washington St.
  “We cannot thank our community enough for their support and look forward to generations using this incredible facility for years to come,” Haase said.