A state-of-the-art aquatic training facility for the Greater Cincinnati Area is in the pre-planning stages! I just found out about this from Susan, who is the secretary on the board of directors for the project. Check out some of the information I found on the website: aquatictrainingcenter.org.
Swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming are growing sports nationwide that help children and adults stay healthy, safe and fit. Several Olympic swimmers and divers have come from the Cincinnati area, including Dan Ketchum (2004), Nate Dusing (2000), Joe Hudepohl (1996, 1992), Becky Ruehl (1996), and Kim Rodenbaugh (1984).
The Issue: Most Southwest Ohio schools do not have a pool. In fact, most of the swim clubs do not even have access to an Olympic size training pool, and diving wells are even scarcer.
Our Mission: To provide the Greater Cincinnati Aquatic Community a World Class Teaching Facility – featuring multiple state-of-the-art pools and a tower diving well – designed to enhance swimming and diving instruction, host competitive events and offer user friendly amenities for participants, families and event organizers.
Here are just some of the features this new facility would have:
- A 50 meter Olympic size pool designed for speed
- A separate dive well with multiple 1 and 3 meter springboards as well as a full complement of diving platforms (1, 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 meters) and “Bubbler” system that can also be used as a warm-up and warm-down pool for swim meets
- Additional features and amenities to attract water polo, synchronized swimming, and other aquatic sports and activities
- Weight training area, dryland training area, overhead safety spotting harnesses, under-water windows, and many other training aids
- Abundance of room for spectators and media, which will enable the facility to host regional and national competitions
Please contact Bob Farr for more information. (513) 532-3867, info@aquatictrainingcenter.org
I obviously like the fact that a fully-equipped diving well is planned, along with dryland areas. Aside from that, I completely agree that the Cincinnati area could use a world class facility that isn’t associated with a school or recreation center. We need an aquatic facility that puts elite training first and family fun days second.
The bullet point that speaks to media and spectator space is very important as well. One of the main criticisms I have of the natatorium at Miami University is the lack of spectator seating. If it weren’t for a lack of seating, the Miami pool would be worthy of holding national events. Any new pool that is being planned should take this into consideration.
The website has more information on the short term goals of the planning phase. Donations are tax deductible, and volunteer positions are still waiting to be filled – so if you want to bring this aquatic training center to Cincinnati, please get involved.
