By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Photo/Nancy Brumback
Shrewsbury—The Shrewsbury Athletic Club just off Route 9 is undergoing major renovations to upgrade the facility and to offer new services.
“When the renovations are all done, we will be offering a full-service athletic facility with a health club aspect for adults and kids of all ages,” said Nathan Sorensen, who bought the business about a year ago. He owned and operated the Hit Quarters turfed sports facility within the club for the past 10 years.
Sorenson noted the first phase in the renovation project, which has been completed, is a new restaurant with full liquor license that’s open after 5 p.m. during the week and after noon on weekends.
The sound of heavy equipment is a clue that the second phase is well under way. The underutilized indoor pool has been removed to make room for a fourth tennis court and a turf weight room as well as an elevator for handicapped access. Basketball hoops have been installed in the rafters over the tennis court area, so the space can be used by both sports. Those changes are scheduled for completion by April.
Then the racquetball courts will be refurbished, and group exercise areas and cardio equipment will be relocated to different parts of the building. Plans include installing a retractable bubble to make the outdoor pool available for indoor winter use, possibly by fall of 2016.
“Our goal is to become more family-oriented,” Sorensen said. “After the renovations are completed, we will be adding a , as well as more fitness classes with a more diverse selection. We want to be sure we have the hottest programs, like kick boxing and mixed martial arts.”
“We plan an enriched family program with things like movie nights, family tennis and . It’s hard for families to find things to do together without spending a ton of money.”
Sorensen also plans to offer such services as physical therapy, massage therapy and athletic strength training through outside vendors who will rent space at the club.
One of the programs that differentiates the Shrewsbury Athletic Club is its affiliation with the Hit Quarters sports facility. The building includes an indoor turf infield for baseball game practice and play, four bullpen mounds and six batting cages.
The indoor field is also used for other turf sports such as soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. Several area school, college and travelling teams practice at the club.
Team Mizuno Northeast, a travelling baseball and softball team program, is also located in the facility, with instruction and team play for kids 9 and under and for kids 18 and under. This program is aimed at children who want a more rigorous, year-round baseball training program with professional staff.
“We send about a dozen kids a year to college baseball teams, and 90 per cent of our younger players make their high school varsity baseball team by their sophomore year,” Sorensen said.
The club still has its outdoor pool, and offers a variety of summer and vacation camp programs. The club and pool facilities can also be rented for private parties and events.
There are a variety of membership options, including winter or summer memberships, individual, couple and family plans, and senior discounts. All of the membership information is on the club’s website, www.shrewsburyclub.com. Information on classes offered and the facilities available is also on the website.
The Shrewsbury Athletic Club is located at 3 Tennis Drive, Shrewsbury, just off Route 9 westbound. Sorensen noted people are welcome to come in and tour the facilities. For additional information, call 508-845-1000 or check the website, www.shrewsburyclub.com.
