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10-10-2025 5:04pm
PRESS RELEASE: Rec Center's Aquatic Center to Temporarily Close as Dehumidification Unit is Replaced
The Aquatic Center at the Saline Recreation Center will be closed beginning Monday, October 20, for an estimated 4–5 weeks as the Dehumidification Unit (DHU) gets replaced.
“This unit plays a critical role in controlling humidity, air temperature and heating for the lap pool,” said Parks and Recreation Director Sunshine Lambert. “The current DHU has exceeded its expected lifespan and has caused several unplanned closures over the past year. Replacing it now will ensure a more consistent, comfortable and reliable environment for all swimmers and guests in the years ahead.”
The Saline Recreation Center welcomes more than 150,000 visitors each year, many of whom utilize the Aquatic Center for lap swimming, aquatic fitness classes, the Saline Swim School, family recreation, birthday parties and more. The pool serves as a cornerstone of health, wellness and community connection in Saline.
During the project, the rest of the Recreation Center, including the fitness rooms, fitness studio, gymnasium, locker rooms, classroom, multipurpose room, racquetball court and Kids Corner, will remain open.
For the members who only utilize the Aquatic Center, membership freezes will be available. A freeze request form can be found online at salinemi.gov/parks or paper copies can be found at the Saline Rec Center. Should a membership be frozen, all individuals included on the membership will not have access to any Rec Center amenities.
"We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this important upgrade and are excited to welcome you back soon to a better, more dependable Aquatic Center experience!" added Lambert.
Individuals with questions should reach out to Parks and Recreation Director Sunshine Lambert at slambert@salinmi.gov or by phone at (734) 429-3502 x2507.
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Replies
kathleen mostek
Neighbor
10-11-2025 8:46am
I am very disappointed with the leadership of the Rec Center. There is no solution for the people that use the pool for health reasons. What are the alternatives for me? I am a Senior Citizen, new to the area, and need an indoor pool for back exercises. In addition, all the days the pool was unavailable over the last 6 months. The whirlpool status is nuts. It’s been almost 5 months, with NO DUES ADJUSTMENTS!
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Ali McDonald
Neighbor
10-15-2025 12:13pm
We are also frustrated. Not having access impacts pain levels, overall health, and quality of life. As long-term members familiar with the dedication, creativity, and commitment of the Rec Center staff, would ask you to consider redirecting your angst. The Rec Center staff is not the problem (more below). City administration is.
Relative to alternate pools, unfortunately, their usual partner pool has been closed for months for remodeling. Staff has actively sought partnership elsewhere. Understand that thus far no pools have been open to helping out. This is not within the staff's control.
As for those with whom our angst lies, it is certain members of City Council (past and present). Decisions by City "leadership" over the years have resulted in insufficient funding for routine maintenance. This not only created the perfect storm that 2025 has been but has actually increased total costs as temporary emergency repairs have been needed while waiting for fabrication of parts that should have been replaced as routine maintenance/as they began to show signs of impending failure several years ago. This is on City "leadership", not Rec Center staff.
The Mayor and some City Council members have been supportive of the emergency repairs. Sadly, two supportive members will be leaving Council. One remaining Council member in particular is quite vocal against support (we prefer representatives who seek creative solutions rather than dismissing out of hand).
We are also active members of the Senior Center and are disgusted to see the money being poured into what was already a very good facility while the Rec Center languishes. We have discussed the Senior Center "improvements" with many members. NONE, that's right, ZERO that we have spoken with believe the work was needed. Those who also belong to the Rec Center unanimously indicate they would have much rather seen the school millage tie in funds to support the Rec Center, a facility accessible to all Saline residents (though we get it - you needed the senior vote to pass your school millage and thought you were giving us a bone - you missed the target many of us would have preferred). Anger amongst those impacted grows as we see the unnecessary changes every time we are at the Senior Center while access to the Rec Center remains spotty and while it is clear the locker rooms, pool decks, and other areas have not received the support needed over the years. Certainly there are those who will not agree with that prioritization. We have yet to meet them.
So, if the Rec Center is important to you, vote for those who support your interests in the upcoming elections, go to Council meetings where the Rec Center (or Senior Center for that matter) are discussed. Make your voice heard by the people who can actually do something about improving reliability of the Rec Center facilities. Finally, please do not take it out on the staff. I suspect they are just as frustrated as we are with all of this. Having to take the many complaints they have received on this topic this year is really just adding insult to injury and, again, directing angst in the wrong direction.
Ali McDonald
Neighbor
10-15-2025 12:37pm
By the way, there was an adjustment for the last shut down and an email was sent about what they are doing about this shutdown. Discuss with them for accurate information. It was all communicated by the Rec Center via email for the last shut down and for the upcoming shut down. Perhaps make sure your email of record with the Rec Center is accurate.
