Nov 7, 2008 6:53 pm US/Eastern
Phelps Partners With Meadowbrook Aquatic Center
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Michaels Phelps trained at the Meadowbrook Aquatic Center.
CBS
One of the world's most famous men is returning to Mt. Washington to operate the pool which led to his success.
Mike Schuh reports Michael Phelps and his coach are now the operators of the Meadowbrook Aquatic Center.
Not only did Phelps conquer the world, but he came home to share the wealth.
He's spent countless hours in the Meadowbrook pool, and he truly loves it. So much so, the business is now his.
With eight gold medals and new money to do pretty much what he wants, Phelps wanted Meadowbrook because it's a place close to his heart. He and his coach Bob Bowman have a big announcement.
"The big announcement is that Michael Phelps and I have formed a company called Aquatic Ventures. As of today, we're going to take over management and operations of Meadowbrook Aquatic Center," said Bowman.
It's the place where Michael learned to swim and to be a champion. Though the city exploded with Phelps pride, there were concerns when this idea was first floated months ago.
Many feared that families would be shut out of the new elite level training venue.
"I think it's great for Baltimore. I hope for the members it doesn't change because we want to still swim here," said Kathrine Yarkoney.
All swimmers are part of their business plan.
"So many things co-exist here. Can't take things away and have the same atmosphere," said Bowman.
Bowman wants something to be clear. They didn't buy the pool or the facilities. They signed a long term lease. They bought the business.
And it's a business they want to grow, hopefully with more professional swimmers.
"Well what we can do is give them the same experience that Michael had. Michael had the opportunity to go as far as his talent would take him," said Bowman.
Months ago there was talk about the new owners building swim lanes next door to a now closed ice rink, but no comment was given at that time.
Bowman says they soon will begin sprucing up the place. The new co-owner will resume training in the waters after his extended break ends in the new year.
The outdoor pool there was dug by mule-drawn plows in the 1930s. There were extensive renovations in the 1980s and 90s.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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