JCC Extends Usage of Outdoor Pool through the Cold Seasons.

The giant new bubble rises near the existing indoor pool.

The many facilities and services of the Bridgewater JCC on Talamini Road are among the best offered to this community and its surrounding area.

In particular, the JCC’s swimming pools are one of the numerous amenities used extensively by its members.  The JCC boasts a heated indoor pool, two outdoor pools (a large one and a small one), and several outdoor kiddy pools.

They are used for lap swimming, competitive swimming, training and swimming classes, fitness classes for older adults, summer programs for the kids, as well as for general, casual use. 

One of the specific programs within the various aquatic offerings is the JCC’s own Bridgewater Tide Swim Team which will be attending a National Swim Meet in Charlotte, NC.
 
However, the scheduling to satisfy the increased demand prompted by all those activities has been a challenge, and the JCC has come up with an innovative solution:  Erect a bubble over the two outdoor pools, heat that space, and open it up in the cold months for meets and team competition, thereby extending the time for more lap swimming in the existing heated indoor pool.

After an extended fund-raising effort, volunteers under the expert guidance of the contractor gathered early on September 23^rd to “raise the roof,” and to have a good time among friends and members while they worked.  The event was filmed by Ken Kaus, a staff member at the JCC employing time-lapse photography.  Ken also shot still photos of the bubble-raising.  They are posted on the JCC’s Facebook page.

This festive combination of work and celebration was like an old-time barn-raising.

On Monday, I dropped by to see the results, and Debbie Golden, Director of Special Projects and Marketing was kind enough to escort me through the construction site and allowed me to take the photographs which follow.  Finish work continues, after which Bridgewater Township officials will inspect the site for approvals and occupancy.

(Click on any image for an enhanced view.)

Doesn't it resemble the back of a giant beluga whale?

The double-door chamber leading into the bubble.



This fluffy white cocoon will protect swimmers from the elements.

A worker walks under the dome, continuing his work.

A view of the patio and the smaller pool to the left.

The existing indoor pool will now see some relief.



The flags of the United States, The State of New Jersey, and that of The State of Israel all fly proudly near the entrance to the JCC facilities.