Leisure Time Swim Club celebrating 50 years in Stow

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by Kristin Casale

Associate Editor

Stow -- When Leisure Time Swim Club opened in Stow in 1958, the business sat on a 10-acre property with only a swimming pool.

Over the next 50 years, the club grew to the nearly-35-acre site with an 18-hole golf course, water park and concession area that it is today.

The business will celebrate its 50th anniversary Aug. 28, said co-owner Anne Hill.

Her parents, Phillip and Barbara Baker, opened the club, along with Phillip's parents, Charles and Mildred.

Anne said she and her brothers, Scott, Keith and Craig, now help run the club, and the family's fourth generation -- Bryan, Caitlin, Andy, Karli and Cameron Baker and Marissa Hill -- work at the business.

Anne said she is pleased the family has made the club last.

"It's just hard work, isn't it?" she said.

Stow Mayor Karen Fritschel read a proclamation honoring the club during the April 10 City Council meeting.

Anne said she is proud the business has reached such a milestone anniversary, stating running the club has involved "blood, sweat and tears."

The business started with approximately 10 people and now employs about 50.

Anne explained the staff size grew to manage the golf course, which opened as a nine-hole site in 1962.

Another long-time feature of the club includes swimming lessons for all children in Stow, regardless of whether their families belong to the club.

The business began providing the lessons in 1960.

"The one thing I'm proud of more than anything is the Swim Proof Stow Program," said Phillip.

Anne said the anniversary has made the family nostalgic, and they want to hear from former employees.

She said former staff members are welcome to visit and share their memories of the business and submit any photographs taken at the club for an employee scrapbook.

Former employees can contact the business by visiting
www.leisuretimerecreation.com.

Anne said the club has special plans for this year's anniversary, stating she hopes to "do something a little more special this year" for the club's annual birthday party.

The club also will offer a special discount on new memberships.

More information can be obtained by calling the business at 330-688-4162.

E-mail: kcasale@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3917