COPPERMINE HEALTH AND FITNESS COMES TO BEL AIR

By Joseph R. Hughes

Ring out the old, Ring in the new, a phrase mostly said on New Year’s Eve, still rings true here in Bel Air. After much scuttlebutt, questions, and concerns about the closing of the Bel Air Athletic Club – resolution has come about. The 110,000 square foot facility has been purchased by Coppermine, Maryland’s largest destination for youth sports, active-lifestyle adults, and families. Serving over 25,000 families, Coppermine, founded in 2011, says it will invest $4,000,000 in the new club over the next two years.

According to a website statement, Alex Jacobs, Coppermine executive said, “we will bring excellent programming and customer service to keep that sense of belonging and family at the BAAC.  It will take about ninety days to paint, install new lighting and bring in new equipment.” While visiting the site, officials said they were  “inspired to buy the property by a 93-year-old member they met in the parking lot who expressed how much the club meant to her.”

​Coppermine will offer zero initiation fees, two months free, and no price increase for two years. The company promises to provide best-in-class services to the Bel Air community.

After more than 40 years, the Bel Air Athletic Club, a community fixture, closed February 16. The announcement in mid-January, sent waves of surprise throughout the town of Bel Air, no more so than English Country Manor. Our two-phased community has lost a close neighbor. The news was sudden and immediately concerning. Speculation and questions swarmed. What are the plans for the building? Will it be purchased to re-fit for apartments? What happens to the 3,000 members who got the message from the club?  With the recent announcement of the Coppermine takeover, resolution has passed muster for our home turf.

As one door closes, another one opens. So long to the Bel Air Athletic Club. Thanks for the memories. Good luck to Coppermine Health & Fitness. Welcome to the community.