In the summer of 2023, almost everything changed at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center when it closed for a major renovation. Over the next 18 months, the city of Alexandria invested nearly $14 million and spent two years of planning and construction to transform and update the aging facilities. Before its closing, the Rec Center was home to West Po’s Swim and Dive Team. While Mount Vernon was closed, the Wolverine swimmers relocated to the George Washington Rec Center, which became their home base for two years. 

In the spring of 2025, the new Mount Vernon Rec Center opened its doors. Along with the doors being opened, the lap lanes were opened as well. The Swim and Dive Team has almost completed their first full season and are getting used to the new pool and facilities Mount Vernon now holds.

Senior captain Fiona Condon remembers swimming at the old Mount Vernon Rec Center her freshmen year before it was renovated. She recalls it being a cramped, poorly ventilated pool where swimmers often complained it felt hotter outside the pool than the water, and where the lack of windows made it impossible to know the time of day. 

“It was not enjoyable to be there,” Condon said. “The facilities were also not in the best condition.” 

Changing rooms were limited, with only three stalls for the girls. Once renovations started at Mount Vernon, the team had to use the George Washington Rec Center as an alternative practice site. They had to commute almost 20 minutes to get there, but they enjoyed its large windows and intimate feel, even though it wasn’t built for competitive meets.

“At George Washington I just felt like it was better. There were plenty of changing rooms, the only downside was there just isn’t a lot of room for the swimmers and their parents,” Condon explained. 

Logan Allgeyer, another senior captain, has been swimming for the West Po team for four years. He recalls many practices spent at the old Mount Vernon pool, noting its cracked tiles and grime between the lanes. 

“It was functional,” Allgeyer said, “but far from perfect. There wasn’t much space for spectators or teams during meets, and parents had no dedicated viewing area.”

When comparing George Washington Rec Center to the new Mount Vernon Rec Center, the consensus among swimmers is clear: they’re glad to be back at Mount Vernon.

“We finally have places for parents to watch,” Allgeyer explained. “There’s a proper spectator section, with clear seating. It makes home meets feel more like actual events.” 

The shorter commute back to West Potomac was a bonus, too. What used to be a hectic 25 minute drive down Route one is now a smooth five minute trip down Beacon Hill, giving the swimmers and divers more time to stretch, hydrate and rest before meets and practices.

The team now hosts five or six swim meets each season, and while some larger meets are still held at other facilities, Mount Vernon serves as a home base.