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Berlin Activities Depot opens big with ribbon cutting

(Sept. 21, 2017) Dozens of locals, including scores of small children, turned up to commemorate the Berlin Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Berlin Activities Depot last Saturday.
The massive new building, on 10008 Old Ocean City Boulevard, includes an expansive space for gymnastics events and training, separate gym space for adults, and a one-of-a-kind ninja kid zone similar to the obstacle courses on “American Ninja Warrior.”
For owner Carmella Solito, the opening was a long time coming. Solito had operated the Twisters facility on Route 113.
“We started the quest [to expand] about seven years ago,” she said. “It’s absolutely, unbelievably just the best feeling in the world to know that dreams can come true and if you work hard enough, you can make it happen.”
Solito said the facility includes a wide range of children’s classes and activities for before or after school, and for days off school.
“We have stuff for mom and dad’s night out, competitive and recreational gymnastics, and competitive cheerleading,” she said. “We were lucky to be granted a full-day pre-K program, so we are actually offering that free to 15 participants – which we still have 10 spots for – with a Maryland certified teacher.”
Berlin Activities Depot already boasts some high-level gymnasts, including several competing at the USA Gymnastics Junior Elite Level 10.
“We are hopefully going to step out into the Elite circuit next year,” Solito said. “We’re scouting that out. We also have an actual Olympic coach that has moved here to train our athletes.”
The center even offers adult fitness classes.
“While your child is going their classes or whatever activities they’re doing, you can work out,” Solito said. “We’re really into healthy minds and bodies.”
The will facility also host summer camps and has a “Grub Hub” that will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and will soon offer delivery.
“We have everything you can imagine – we even have laser tag!” Solito said.
The culmination of years of work, she said, “feels awesome.”
“I could not have done this without huge support from my family, the community and my staff,” she said. “Come on out and check us out – there’s literally something for everybody.”
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams was on hand during the grand opening and said a few words.
“Everybody’s been very much anticipating this ribbon cutting and I want to congratulate Carmella on an unbelievably wonderful vision, and picking Berlin to see this vision become a reality,” he said. “One thing that is very obvious is this facility – this multifaceted, wonderful place – is here to enrich the physical health and the educational wellbeing of young people in our community and the surrounding area.”
He said that was in line with a core belief of the town, which “encourages 19th century charm and 21st century living.”
“Twenty-first century living means living well, living healthy, living happily together – this place represents all those things,” Williams said. “We’re very proud of you and very proud of what you’re doing.”
A separate ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will be held on Friday, Oct. 6 at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 410-629-0878 or visit www.berlinactivitiesdepot.com.