Chelsea Piers in Stamford, Conn. has an impressive array of high-end sports facilities and offerings spanning 400,000 square feet. Running the gambit of any activity a member could dream of participating in, members can choose from a variety of activities, such as basketball, baseball, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, swimming, squash, youth programs and much more.
According to Mollie Marcoux, the executive director of Chelsea Piers Connecticut, the one thing the complex was lacking in was a dedicated fitness space. As a result, the complex is investing in a 65,000-square-foot expansion, to bring a high-end, dedicated fitness space to members.
Although Chelsea Piers Connecticut currently has a small fitness space with Group X classes, equipment and personal training, according to Marcoux, a need had arisen for more. “Our focus was on athletic spaces and high-end sports training,” said Marcoux. “We noticed there was a real demand for fitness. There was such enthusiasm for what we’re already doing, so we decided to expand and create a facility that matched in depth and size the quality of our existing programming.”
The new members-only facility, called CP-AC Fitness, will offer members the best-of-the-best in terms of fitness offerings, including luxurious locker rooms, state-of-the-art equipment, dedicated Pilates and yoga studios, Group X classes and a dedicated space for triathlon and competitive cycling training. Membership will also include access to an Olympic-sized pool, hardwood basketball courts, an indoor tack and turf fields, and tennis and squash courts.
Slated to open in Fall 2014, Marcoux said members are already extremely excited to gain a dedicated fitness space, which comes at no additional cost to their current membership dues. “The enthusiasm has been really strong,” she said. “People spend a lot of time here, so this is another area members can treat like an oasis.”
According to Marcoux, CP-AC Fitness will be a valued asset to Chelsea Piers Connecticut. “Some of our members were participating in programming such as baseball or tennis leagues, but keeping an additional fitness membership (at another facility on the side),” she explained. Now, members won’t have to go elsewhere to find the amenities they desire, in addition to sports-specific programming.
“We will really have something for the single adult and dynamic programming for youth,” said Marcoux. “We’re focusing on excelling in both fitness and sports.”
Artist renderings courtesy of Chelsea Piers
Story by Rachel Zabonick
