By DaChar Lane

Serving the community since 1994, Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic and Fitness Center is where nature, wellness, and connection come together every day. From the playground to the pool, from the weightroom to the ducks along the walking paths, the center reflects a community that is active, inclusive, and welcoming.

At its core, Mary Jo Peckham is where neighbors become family and generations come full circle. Children who once learned to swim here return as lifeguards, and seniors who visit for fitness and friendship celebrate milestones together.

A center for all ages and abilities

As the only aquatic and fitness center in Precinct 4, Mary Jo Peckham offers far more than just a pool. Visitors can enjoy miniature golf, cast a line in the fishing pond, walk the peaceful trails, and explore the three-story playground. Inside, a full gym, indoor pool, and a wide variety of group fitness classes make wellness accessible to all ages and abilities.

For 18-year-old Aaliyah Alexander, working at the center has been so much more than a seasonal job. It has been a chance to witness growth firsthand.

“It’s like watching them grow up,” she said. “As someone who started swimming around three years old, I love watching the kids here grow and develop in their skills just like I did."

Alexander especially values the relationships she has built with the center’s regulars.

“They’ll tell you about their day, but they also want to know about yours. That’s what makes Mary Jo Peckham feel like home.”

That same spirit of connection helped shape Natalia Jimenez, another lifeguard. She is 19 years old and has been at the center for three years. Once shy and reserved, Jimenez found her voice through her daily interactions with the community members — especially longtime visitor Phyllis Montgomery.

“Talking to people like Ms. Phyllis gave me confidence,” Jimenez said. “Now, I love connecting with everyone who walks through the doors.”

Rebuilding strength and community

Phyllis Montgomery is 77 years old and has been coming to Mary Jo Peckham since 2013. For her, the center has changed her life.

“I have had five surgeries,” Montgomery said. “When I first came to Mary Jo Peckham, I used a walker and then I used a cane. Now, I don’t have to use an aid at all.”

She credits her progress to the center’s water arthritis and aerobics classes. In fact, she still participates in fitness classes five days a week. To her, having the gym, pool, and certified instructors — all close to home and free of charge — has made all the difference.

“It’s a blessing,” she said. “I get everything I need for my health, right in my backyard. That’s everything.”

When asked what keeps her coming back, Montgomery didn’t hesitate: “The people,” she said. “I love showing others, especially seniors, that life doesn’t stop after retirement. I encourage them to come, socialize, and truly live.”

Montgomery’s presence has become part of the center’s daily rhythm. A familiar “Hey Phyllis!” is often heard as she walks through the doors, an acknowledgment of her role in helping build a sense of belonging for others, including staff.

More than a center

From the front desk to the fitness floor, the staff knows visitors by name. Lisa Savarino, the center’s administrative assistant, is a familiar face at the front desk and sets the tone the moment you walk in. All fitness and aquatics classes are led by certified Precinct 4 staff who bring both skill and heart to every session.

In the gym, visitors have access to fitness machines and a full schedule of free classes, including Zumba, Cardio Interval Training, Yoga, Pilates, and Total Body Reset. The indoor pool is a central point for physical therapy and recreation. Its programs include Lap/Walk and Deep-Water Exercise, Recreation and Splash Time, and Swim Lessons.

After a class or swim, many visitors gather in the lobby over a cup of complimentary coffee to share stories, advice, and laughter. These informal moments are just as important as any workout. They’re where friendships form and where a sense of belonging grows stronger.

Outside, the adjacent park and miniature golf course offer even more ways to unwind and connect. Whether its toddlers playing on the swings, teens volunteering at the pool, or seniors walking the trail, every generation finds a place here.

Mary Jo Peckham is more than a center. It’s a family. It’s where strength is rebuilt, confidence is restored, and relationships are made — one conversation, one class, and one lap at a time.