New Swim Center Opens At Old Fitness USA

One of the largest indoor pools in the San Francisco Bay Area has opened in Milpitas, and the owner hopes to build it into one of Silicon Valley's biggest swim centers.

"We are ready for growth," said Yorke Lee, owner of the new Milpitas Star Aquatics and Fitness. "This is going to grow fast." 

Milpitas Star Aquatics and Fitness, a sister facility to Saratoga Star Aquatics in Saratoga, boasts a seven-lane, 25-yard pool for advanced swimmers and a smaller, shallow pool for beginner and intermediate lessons. It also features a fitness center, coffee shop/cafeteria and expanded pool viewing area for swim school parents and guests.

Lee is spending $4 million to $5 million to renovate the old Fitness USA on Clear Lake Avenue, off the corner of Landess Avenue and South Park Victoria Drive. 

Not a swimmer himself, Lee said he realized the demand for more and better swim centers when his daughter, 11, first up for swim lessons. He went on to open Saratoga Aquatics, which hosts a swim team and offers lessons. Demand was so high, Lee said, that he felt another pool on the east side of Silicon Valley was needed. 

In addition, he said, the indoor pool — a rare thing in the temperate Bay Area — appeals to those who don't want to deal with winter rains or tempermental weather.

The Milpitas location will not have a swim team, Lee said. But kids interested in racing can move up to the Saratoga program.

Meanwhile, Lee said hopes the new, 10,000-square-foot gym in the same building will attract swimmers, their families and fitness fans from around the South Bay. It will feature free weights, cardio machines, an aerobics room, exercise studio, group fitness classes, a sauna, steam room and more. 

"Everything is focused on exercise, health and enjoyment," Lee said.

The facility opened earlier this month. For information or to sign up for classes or summer camp, visit Milpitas Star Aquatics and Fitness webpage.