It used to be arriving an hour early to get a parking spot or admission into the indoor region swimming and diving meet at Oak Marr RECenter was necessary and a must.
But not anymore. The region meet has half the teams and swimmers of those past years because the region was basically cut in half a few years back. So getting into the venue isn’t as much of an issue, nor is parking.
Used to be walking around the crowded and still narrow pool deck at Oak Marr was a concern, as well, so not to accidently get bumped into the pool. Again, that’s not as much a worry any longer, with more space to move around.
There also is more space on the deck for the teams to gather. Before teams sometimes shared bleachers. But not now.
Those old crowded region meets were actually more fun to attend, with stiffer competition and louder and bigger crowds and all.
But it’s sure nice to be able to snag an open parking space these days, even when arriving just some 15 to 30 minutes before start time.
– Dave Facinoli
dfacinoli@sungazette.net