Goldfish runs 30-minute classes in the West End pool. (Mike Platania)
A national swim school chain has taken the plunge into the Richmond market.
Goldfish Swim School opens its first local aquatic facility Thursday in the former Martin’s building at 9782 Gayton Road in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center.
The 10,000-square-foot former grocery space now houses a pool heated to 90 degrees where 30-minute classes are held for child swimmers ages 4 months to 12 years, along with a recreational swim team for kids aged 5 to 12.
The West End space is split between the pool area and a colorfully painted viewing area for parents. It employs a staff of 19 and has a 4-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
Goldfish’s lessons are available as private, in groups and semi-private. Prices start at $92 per month for one lesson per week.
Founded in Michigan in 2006, Goldfish has over 80 franchises nationwide and in Canada, including three in Northern Virginia. Regional manager Christine Palmer said the company is exploring more locations in the Richmond area.
Goldfish occupies about a third of the space left vacant by Martin’s when it closed in 2013. The remainder is being transformed into a Gold’s Gym.
Goldfish runs 30-minute classes in the West End pool. (Mike Platania)
A national swim school chain has taken the plunge into the Richmond market.
Goldfish Swim School opens its first local aquatic facility Thursday in the former Martin’s building at 9782 Gayton Road in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center.
The 10,000-square-foot former grocery space now houses a pool heated to 90 degrees where 30-minute classes are held for child swimmers ages 4 months to 12 years, along with a recreational swim team for kids aged 5 to 12.
The West End space is split between the pool area and a colorfully painted viewing area for parents. It employs a staff of 19 and has a 4-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
Goldfish’s lessons are available as private, in groups and semi-private. Prices start at $92 per month for one lesson per week.
Founded in Michigan in 2006, Goldfish has over 80 franchises nationwide and in Canada, including three in Northern Virginia. Regional manager Christine Palmer said the company is exploring more locations in the Richmond area.
Goldfish occupies about a third of the space left vacant by Martin’s when it closed in 2013. The remainder is being transformed into a Gold’s Gym.