In the heat of the summer, it is good to know the best swimming pool in the Boston area is right here at MIT.
By popular vote, the Al and Barrie Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center took home the title for "Best Swimming Pool" and "Best Cardio Gym" in the Boston metro area on the CBS4Boston.com A-List. More than 100,000 votes were cast in this year's competition.
"This award shows us that our patrons recognize the high level of service we strive to offer every day through our facilities and programs," said Tim Moore, general manager for the Zesiger Center. "This gives us another benchmark for excellence."
Throughout the contest, voters were permitted to share comments about the businesses for which they were voting. Zesiger Center supporters cited friendly staff, programming and excellent facilities as the reasons why they chose the Z Center as "Boston's Best."
"I love swimming at the Z Center," wrote Aparna Ramanathan, an MIT senior in brain and cognitive sciences. "The lifeguard staff is helpful and well-trained. The pool is clean, and hours are perfect for the college community."
Pamela Coneeny, who works at the MIT Sloan School of Management, cast her vote for the Zesiger Center because, "The instructors are wonderful and the facility is outstanding."
The Zesiger Center opened in the fall of 2002, joining Rockwell Cage, the du Pont Gymnasium and the Johnson Athletic Center as the heart of the central Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation Complex. Zesiger facilities include a 50-meter lap pool, 25-yard instructional pool, two fitness floors, a multi-activity court, six squash courts, a massage suite and stretching and exercise spaces. Membership gives patrons access to these facilities as well as to sailing and rowing programs.
Program highlights include swim classes from youth to master's level, American Red Cross programming and private instruction. Fitness patrons can use cardio and strength equipment, work with a personal trainer or participate in group exercise classes. Free orientations, tours and complementary towel service are available to all members.
More than 1,300 businesses within the Boston metro area were nominated for the competition. The Zesiger Center finished with "A-List Top 100" distinction. All of the A-List winners can be viewed at cbs4boston.cityvoter.com/Top100.aspx.
