Henderson kicks off feasibility study for potential aquatic center
HENDERSON, Ky. − Almost three years after the initial proposal for a local aquatic center, Henderson Tourist Commission and Henderson Aquatic Vision for Everyone (HAVE) announced the first steps for the potential project.
This week, Henderson officials and residents gathered at Rookie’s Sports Bar and Grill to kick off the aquatic center feasibility study, which will determine whether or not to move forward in the development of an indoor pool facility.
The idea for the project was first proposed in September 2019 by nurse anesthetist and HAVE President Meredith Schmitt.
“Five years ago, if you would’ve said to me that I would be the main push behind an aquatic center here in Henderson, I would’ve looked at you and said you were crazy because that’s … not what I do, I’m not a swimmer by trade,” Schmitt said.
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But Schmitt noticed a need for an aquatic center after realizing how beneficial it could be for many of her patients who are recovering from knee and hip replacements, or who deal with joint pain. She also advocates for her children, who swim competitively in Evansville.
“I just want to see Henderson become a healthier, happier place and I really believe that that could happen with an aquatics center,” said Schmitt.
Several residents spoke to a crowded banquet room at Rookie’s, including Henderson Fire Department Fire Chief Scott Foreman, Sandefur Training Center Executive Director Julie Wischer and pediatrician Dr. Carli Thomas.
Foreman explained how an aquatic center could improve training for Henderson firefighters, who currently use the Henderson YMCA’s pool, which he says isn’t deep enough for all of the department’s training needs.
“Having a facility like this will let us expand our ability to train, by the number of divers in the water (and) the number of obstacles in the water. …We do struggle with the YMCA just because of the size of the pool,” said Foreman.
Wischer, who works with adults with intellectual disabilities, said aquatic activities could help teach water safety and improve communication skills among people with autism.
According to Wischer, one of the leading causes of death for children with autism is drowning.
“Knowledge of swimming and how to float and how to be comfortable around water and understand the danger of water would be important,” said Wischer.
Funding for the $30,000 study, which will be conducted by Missouri aquatic planning and design firm Counsilman-Hunsaker, will be split between the city and county governments.
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Counsilman-Hunsaker Studio Director George Deines will head the feasibility study. He said it’s expected to take about three months and will determine the community’s need for an aquatic center, and the economic and operational potential of such a project.
Deines said the study will also consider the size, shape and type of pool that would be most efficient for Henderson's needs.
“Our goal with any pool that we design is to make it multiuse, to make it multigenerational (and) just to make it function very well so the community has access to it and can use it for a variety of purposes,” said Deines.
Contact Lauren Craddock at lauren.craddock@courierpress.com or on Twitter @LaurenECraddock
This article originally appeared on Henderson Gleaner: Henderson conducts feasibility study for possible aquatic center
