Brad Swendig, the longtime President and Executive Director of City of Midland Aquatics announced his retirement at the end of 2024. Swendig spoke to the Midland Times about his 40 years with the center and its growth, during a recent tour of the facility.
The organization has grown from fewer than 50 members to over 2,500 and the facility has tripled in size, according to Swendig.
The facility initially comprised a 25-yard competitive pool, a learn-to-swim pool, basic locker rooms and a few offices. Seven new pools have since been built with funding from grants and donations. According to the facility’s website, all the additions make COM Aquatic Center one of the most comprehensive aquatic centers in the country, including:
- Diving Center with Olympic size pool
- Spectator seating- Meeting and office space
- Tumbling area for toddlers
- Physical therapy center
- Two gyms-cardio/weight rooms
- Dedicated therapy pool
- Diver training room
- Two aerobic pools/aerobic studio
- 25-yard lap swimming pool
- Leisure pool with lap lanes
- Kids camp program
- Swim shop
In discussion with Midland Times, Swendig recalled his start at the facility. He also discussed its transformation, and the impact it has had on countless local residents, but was reluctant to take credit for all of the progress.
"It’s been fun coming to work every day,” Swendig said. “I started out as a part time swim coach, then I got so busy running everything that I had to stop coaching,” he said.
Swendig also spoke about other parts of his job that he enjoyed.
“I truly loved getting to know the seniors that come in for classes, getting to know the kids and their families, watching them not totally understand how one step connects to another, like tumbling for the toddlers and how it helps them get into diving eventually. Then they make the connection! It’s been an amazing experience,” he said.
“I’ve been blessed for 40 years to do this, I’m going to miss the people." he said.When Swendig was asked what was next for the facility, he laughed and said “Hopefully parking! We are in true need of parking and more bathrooms but that requires room. That’s a project for the next Executive Director.”
The search for Swendig’s successor is ongoing. The COM board of directors is reviewing applicants and scheduling interviews for the next board meeting, according to Swendig. His final day is set for the end of 2024.