Old Georgetown Swim & Tennis Club in Baltimore: Member-Only Pool and Racquet Facility in Canton

Old Georgetown Swim & Tennis Club is a private membership facility in Canton offering an indoor pool, outdoor seasonal pool, and tennis courts to a closed community of members and their guests. The club operates year-round and serves primarily families and serious recreational athletes seeking lap swimming and court sports without the public-access model of city-run pools or commercial gyms.

What the facility actually is

Founded in 1927, Old Georgetown occupies a single site and maintains both indoor and outdoor pools alongside multiple tennis courts. Unlike Baltimore's municipal pools, which are open to the public for a daily fee, or commercial gyms that sell memberships to anyone, Old Georgetown functions as a membership club where access is restricted to dues-paying members and their invited guests. The indoor pool remains open through winter, and the outdoor pool operates seasonally, typically May through September. The club does not offer group fitness classes, personal training, or lap-swimming programs separate from membership; membership grants full access to all facilities during operating hours.

Membership tiers and pricing

Old Georgetown operates on annual membership dues rather than month-to-month billing. Full family membership (covering up to two adults and children under 21 in the household) ranges from approximately $1,200 to $1,500 annually, though this figure should be confirmed directly with the club as initiation fees and rate changes occur. Individual adult membership costs less than family membership. Tennis court time for members is included in membership dues; no per-court hourly fees apply. The club does offer single-visit guest passes for nonmembers accompanied by a member, typically in the $15 to $25 range, though guests cannot use courts without a member present.

How it compares to other Baltimore swimming options

Canton lacks public pools; the closest municipal facility is Gwynn Oak Pool in northwest Baltimore, operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks and open seasonally to the public for $2 per visit or $40 for a summer pass. Gwynn Oak offers lap lanes and recreational swim, but operates only in summer and requires no membership commitment. For year-round lap swimming, Medfield Swim Center (also city-run) in southeast Baltimore provides indoor lanes, public drop-in rates at approximately $6 per visit, and membership packages starting around $180 annually for unlimited access. Harbor East Racquet Club, another private club, similarly combines tennis and swimming but operates in a different neighborhood and has its own membership structure. Old Georgetown suits members who value year-round pool access, private atmospherics, and do not want to commit to a commercial gym membership or pay per-visit at public pools.

Who it suits and who it does not

Old Georgetown works best for families with children seeking consistent year-round pool access, competitive or serious recreational swimmers who want dedicated lap lanes without crowds, and tennis players wanting regular court availability. It does not suit people seeking drop-in access, those on tight budgets (membership dues exceed pay-per-visit costs for casual swimmers), or swimmers preferring group fitness classes and personal training. Likewise, it excludes nonmembers except as invited guests, making it unsuitable for people seeking open public recreation.

What a first visit involves

Prospective members must apply for membership through the club office. Existing members or club leadership typically must sponsor or recommend new applicants, though policies should be verified. Once approved, members pay initiation fees plus annual dues and receive access credentials. First visits as a guest require invitation from a current member, who must accompany the guest during the visit. Members can reserve tennis courts through an online scheduling system or by phone.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The indoor pool operates year-round; the outdoor pool typically runs May through September, though opening and closing dates shift annually and should be confirmed. The facility is located in Canton near O'Donnell Street. Parking is available on-site for members. The club does not offer locker rental, though members have access to changing facilities. Verification of exact seasonal dates and any recent policy changes is best done by contacting the club directly.

Old Georgetown fills a specific niche in Baltimore: a membership-based facility for swimmers and tennis players who prioritize consistency, privacy, and year-round access over affordability or walk-in convenience.