After nearly five years of closure, the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center therapy pool at Mills Health Center in San Mateo is thriving once again. On August 20, 2024, Sutter Health reopened the newly renovated, ADA-compliant warm water facility — restoring an essential resource for countless community members who rely on aquatic therapy to improve their health, mobility and quality of life.
“The Board of Directors of Warm Water Wellness extends heartfelt gratitude as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the reopening of the Mickelson Center warm water therapy pool at Mills Health Center,” said Lindsay Raike, Warm Water Wellness CEO. “This milestone is a reminder of the pool’s immense value to the community, and of the dedication and partnership that made its return possible.”
The pool, originally closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, remained closed until important repairs and updates could be made. Renovations addressed aging infrastructure and ensured compliance with modern accessibility standards. Since reopening, the facility has quickly regained its reputation as a haven for healing, movement, and connection.
Today, the Mickelson pool offers a wide variety of programs tailored to support individuals with arthritis, chronic pain and mobility challenges. Beyond traditional therapy and free swimming, participants can join group classes such as water aerobics, low-impact exercise sessions, and specialized movement programs designed to strengthen core muscles and improve balance. These classes not only promote physical health, they also create opportunities for social connection and encouragement.
Few stories capture the pool’s impact better than that of James Fahey, a longtime San Mateo resident who has become one of the facility’s most dedicated participants.
“Before I found the pool, I had one of the worst cases of edema my doctor had ever seen,” Fahey recalls. “Through walking in the water, exercising, and staying consistent, I lost 165 pounds. The pool gave me my health and mobility back.”
Since the reopening, Fahey has been in the water nearly every day — often staying three to four hours at a time. For him, the benefits go far beyond physical transformation. He notes improvements in sleep, mood, and energy, and credits the Mickelson pool for helping him rebuild his life.
Equally important, Fahey highlights the sense of belonging and camaraderie that the Mickelson pool fosters.
“We’re a close-knit group. People come from all walks of life, with different challenges, but we all support each other,” he says. “You learn from others, you share experiences, and you feel like part of a family. That community and those relationships are just as important as the exercise.”
While some participants have had to adjust to sensitivity to water chemicals, Fahey and others remain steadfast advocates for keeping the program strong and growing. They see the pool not just as a place to exercise, but as a vital community asset, helping seniors and people with chronic conditions maintain their independence.
As the Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center warm water therapy pool celebrates one year of being reopened, its impact is undeniable: renewed mobility, restored hope and a thriving community built on healing together. For Fahey and so many others, the pool isn’t just water — it’s a lifeline.
