Brad Swendig, President and Executive Director of City of Midland Aquatics, announced his retirement at the end of 2024. Swendig spent 40 years with the center.
The program has grown from fewer than 50 members to over 2,500, and the aquatics facility has tripled in size, according to Swendig. It initially included 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.
"It’s been fun coming to work every day,” Swendig told the Midland Times. “I started out as a part-time swim coach, then I got so busy running everything that I had to stop coaching,” he said.
“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.
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, according to Swendig. His final day is set for the end of 2024.
“I’ve been blessed for 40 years to do this, I’m going to miss the people." he said.
The City of Midland Aquatics center includes:
- 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 poo
- Leisure pool with lap lanes
- Kids camp program
- Swim shop
