UMD Track Star Helps Build Community in Hometown

Aaron Robinson interns at Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex project in his hometown of Brandywine, Maryland.

Track star, Aaron Robinson, began his internship with Coakley & Williams Construction in June 2019 through the University of Maryland (UMD) InTERPship Academy. The 19 year old UMD student athlete is a conscientious Terrapin eager to learn new things about his assigned project, the new Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC) which is being built in his very own hometown of Brandywine, Maryland.

The new facility will feature a running a track on the second floor with a view of the basketball court. (Photo Credit: Hughes Group Architects)

"SAARC will benefit the community in health. It will give all generations an outlet to have fun and be active. Especially the younger generations that need to get out of the house more," Robinson says of the new facility in Prince George’s County.

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One pillar of Robinson's InTERPShip program is to build a solid foundation for success after sports. When asked about what the future holds for him after track at UMD, he expressed that he wants to learn as much as he can and hopefully that will lead him to a niche that he enjoys.

"Being a part of Coakley & Williams Construction for just a few weeks has already showed me that I have an interest in the construction world," says Robinson. "Everyone comes together to make a special project like this one. It's amazing to me. I never knew how complicated it was to just build a road."

Aaron Robinson, Intern (left), John Raum, Superintendent (middle), and Colin O’Donnell, Project Engineer (right)

SAARC will be the first multi-generational community center in the county. Once it is built, the 75,000+ square-foot building will include a natatorium, spa pool, gymnasium, running track, fitness rooms, locker rooms, a cafe, event spaces, and a couple of outdoor patios.