About
|
Mr. Robert Penza being an avid swimmer felt that the community needed a swim club and recreation facility, and in 1956 the Penza family graciously donated the land that the club is built on. The Hammonton Recreation Club first opened its doors to the public in the spring of 1958.
|
Swim Club Timeline
|
|
~1950s~
Mr. Robert Penza being an avid swimmer felt that the community needed a swim club and recreation facility, and in 1956 the Penza family graciously donated the land that the club is built on. The club began construction on its two pools in early 1957, the larger pool being 60ft long by 30ft wide, and the smaller pool being 40ft long by 26ft wide. The club was an immediate success in the community becoming extremely popular and at times over crowded. The Hammonton Recreation Club first opened its doors to the public in the spring of 1958.
~60s 70s 80s 90s~
Board Members quickly realized that the original facility was being outgrown. Fund raising began and in 1963 the club house was built, the deck was made larger, a basketball court was added, and the Stingrays Swim Team was officially formed. Membership continued to increase, and the Stingrays needed a larger pool in order to meet completion rules. Fund raising began again, and in 1972 the second major addition took place, this time the large pool was refurbished and lengthened to 80ft, the deck and club house size were also increased, and the pavilion was constructed with the help of the Continisio family. The facility continued to grow, in 1985 both pools went through a major refurbishment, at which time new sand filters and modern pumps were installed. A volleyball court was added and the parking lot size was increased.
~2000s~
The facility mainly stayed the same throughout the years although in 2004 the large pool became heated, the first dive in movie was held, and additional lights were added. Approaching its 50th birthday, the pool began to show its age in 2006. Large cracks had began to form in the north walls of both pools, and the pumps were in need of replacement. The board decided to undertake the largest project in the club's history, a complete overhaul of the facility. Just one day after the closing of the 2007 season demolition of the pools began. The two foot thick pool walls were poured, a state of the art granite and diamond dust finish was applied, along with new plumbing, coping, starting blocks, pool covers, a larger dive in movie screen, and the deck was repaired. The old wire fence was replaced with new vinyl clad fence, the club house and snack bar were remodeled, the pool heater, and sand filters were overhauled and the pumps replaced. Thanks to a mild winter and the board's long work hours the club opened on time for the 2008 season. The 50th season began with the club's grand reopening on Memorial Day, with special guest Robert Penza and family performing the ribbon cutting ceremony and first swim of the season. 2010 was another exciting year, the board recognized the need to become more environmental friendly, and introduced one of the first outdoor salt water commercial pools in the Northeast. The addition of the salt system reduced our overall chemical costs and improved bather comfort. The 2015 SSASJ Championships were held at The Hammonton Swim Club for the first time! A 3 day event with over 600 attendees, vendors, and staff. In 2018 the Hammonton Swim Club celebrated 60 years with honoring founder Robert Penza.
Mr. Robert Penza being an avid swimmer felt that the community needed a swim club and recreation facility, and in 1956 the Penza family graciously donated the land that the club is built on. The club began construction on its two pools in early 1957, the larger pool being 60ft long by 30ft wide, and the smaller pool being 40ft long by 26ft wide. The club was an immediate success in the community becoming extremely popular and at times over crowded. The Hammonton Recreation Club first opened its doors to the public in the spring of 1958.
~60s 70s 80s 90s~
Board Members quickly realized that the original facility was being outgrown. Fund raising began and in 1963 the club house was built, the deck was made larger, a basketball court was added, and the Stingrays Swim Team was officially formed. Membership continued to increase, and the Stingrays needed a larger pool in order to meet completion rules. Fund raising began again, and in 1972 the second major addition took place, this time the large pool was refurbished and lengthened to 80ft, the deck and club house size were also increased, and the pavilion was constructed with the help of the Continisio family. The facility continued to grow, in 1985 both pools went through a major refurbishment, at which time new sand filters and modern pumps were installed. A volleyball court was added and the parking lot size was increased.
~2000s~
The facility mainly stayed the same throughout the years although in 2004 the large pool became heated, the first dive in movie was held, and additional lights were added. Approaching its 50th birthday, the pool began to show its age in 2006. Large cracks had began to form in the north walls of both pools, and the pumps were in need of replacement. The board decided to undertake the largest project in the club's history, a complete overhaul of the facility. Just one day after the closing of the 2007 season demolition of the pools began. The two foot thick pool walls were poured, a state of the art granite and diamond dust finish was applied, along with new plumbing, coping, starting blocks, pool covers, a larger dive in movie screen, and the deck was repaired. The old wire fence was replaced with new vinyl clad fence, the club house and snack bar were remodeled, the pool heater, and sand filters were overhauled and the pumps replaced. Thanks to a mild winter and the board's long work hours the club opened on time for the 2008 season. The 50th season began with the club's grand reopening on Memorial Day, with special guest Robert Penza and family performing the ribbon cutting ceremony and first swim of the season. 2010 was another exciting year, the board recognized the need to become more environmental friendly, and introduced one of the first outdoor salt water commercial pools in the Northeast. The addition of the salt system reduced our overall chemical costs and improved bather comfort. The 2015 SSASJ Championships were held at The Hammonton Swim Club for the first time! A 3 day event with over 600 attendees, vendors, and staff. In 2018 the Hammonton Swim Club celebrated 60 years with honoring founder Robert Penza.
