A sketch shows the planned layout of the YMCA Swim Club at Oakcrest. The YMCA Swim Club at Oakcrest, tucked away on 14 acres on Inman Avenue in the township’s northern section, is getting set to open a new chapter this year.
“It’s really a true gem,” said Cindi Crane, Edison Branch Y executive director. “This is the last remaining big piece of open space in Edison, and we are excited that we are able to keep it that way.”
This year, the swim club will reopen July 1 with a new 25-meter, six-lane pool, a diving well with a spiral tube slide, and a kiddie pool.
The pool, originally part of what was called the Oakcrest Swim Club, was first built in 1959 and is considered one of the five oldest public swimming pools in New Jersey.
The YMCA took ownership of the club six years ago, Crane said. “The membership of the club was having problems and was looking to sell the property,” she said. “They wanted us to buy it, but we, unfortunately, did not have that kind of money.”
The EdisonY, which turns 15 years old this year, had previously rented space with the swim club to host its summer camp. The YMCAreached out to Edison Township officials to help thembuy the club through a grant and a 40-year bond lease, which the Y pays back to the township.
In the process, the Y made plans to secure $500,000 to rebuild the pool, which is estimated to cost $800,000, with the help of the lateDavidB. Crabiel, then-director of the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
“It was around the time he had passed away, and the mayor’s office was transferring from Mayor Jun Choi to Mayor Antonia Ricigliano,” she said.
This, Crane said, delayed the process for three years.
“It started helping when [former Edison Councilman] Charles Tomaro became a freeholder,” she said.
Construction on the pool started in January and is slated to open July 1. RJR Construction of Hillside was awarded the contract.
The clubwill be equipped with a snack bar located in the pool area, as well as a new entrance to the pool, and upper and lower bathrooms with showers. The main and kiddie pools are barrier-free for ease of use by all. The site also has a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball and a skatepark.
“We have a collaboration with the township and Department of Public Works,” said Crane. “They help us keep the lawn mowed and provide treemaintenance, and we allow them to store equipment on our site.”
Crane said the collaboration helps significantly in keeping the Y’s costs low.
TheYMCASwim Club at Oakcrest is taking applications now for interested members for the season that runs through Sept. 3. The club currently has 500 to 600 members. People who are not members and would like to see the club and its new amenities will get a chance on July 1 at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The club will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All members must get a photo membership card at the Edison YMCA.
The club’s upper pavilion or new lower pavilion may be used to host parties, with YMCAstaff supplied to supervise and lead activities if needed. Two grills are available for use at the lower pavilion. Rates for parties are based on a two-hour event and begin at $300 for up to 20 participants. The two hours may be expanded for an additional fee, as well as the number of guests. Large family parties must reserve a space in advance.
For a registration form, call Jeff Hirschman at 732-494-3232 before June 25 and 908-756- 9853 after that date.
The club will open for members beginning June 30. The dates and hours of operation are weekdays from noon to 8 p.m., and weekends 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The use of facility courts and fields is limited to 5-8 p.m. on weekdays when camp is in session, June 25-Aug. 31. On weekdays until 5 p.m., the facility is shared with the Edison BranchYMCADay Camp.
For more information, visit http://www.ymcaofmewsa.org/locations/ycamp and-pool-oakcrest/swim-club-oakcrest or call 908-756-9853.