News Summary

The Dr. Robert W. Browne Aquatic Center in Coldwater, celebrating its 10th anniversary, hosted an open house attracting families eager to enjoy complimentary swimming and water aerobics. The event highlighted the center’s community roots and recent improvements, including a new fee structure to enhance accessibility. The Barracuda Swim Club continues to thrive, fostering young talent, while the facility aims to boost participation with new programs and extended hours. With a renewed focus on community engagement, the aquatic center offers exciting opportunities for fun and fitness.

Coldwater’s Aquatic Center Makes a Splash on its 10th Anniversary!

COLDWATER – The Dr. Robert W. Browne Aquatic Center celebrated a milestone birthday this past Saturday, marking a decade of fun and fitness with a lively 10th Anniversary Open House. The event turned out to be a splash success, attracting a crowd of eager kids and adults looking to dive into some complimentary swimming and water aerobics classes. For many, it was a chance to make new memories and experience the Olympic-sized pool and the cozy warm companion pool for the very first time.

A City Gem with Community Roots

Located at the heart of Coldwater, this city-owned aquatic facility is managed by Coldwater Community Schools and recently transitioned under the attentive guidance of Hampton Aquatics and Fitness from Battle Creek. Built in 2015 with generous funding from local hero Dr. Robert W. Browne, the aquatic center was part of a recreation expansion aiming to bring community activities right to the residents’ doorstep.

However, navigating the pool’s operational costs in the past decade hasn’t been a smooth sail. The school system faced financial challenges due to losses from operating the facility. Fortunately, just last fall, the city of Coldwater, Branch County, and the Browne Family Trust collaborated to gather much-needed funds to keep the pool afloat.

Increased Participation and New Initiatives

School Superintendent Paul Flynn proudly noted a surge in pool usage, particularly due to a newly established fee structure benefiting all county residents. This adjustment was seen as a significant step towards making the aquatic center more accessible for everyone. Flynn regarded the open house as a resounding success, emphasizing the need for more folks to discover and enjoy the pool’s offerings.

Under the leadership of Audrina Hampton, the aquatic center has witnessed increased staff hire-ups to extend operating hours and introduce diverse programs. Hampton expressed her delight at the turnout during the open house, hoping it would inspire local families to make the pool a regular stop on their weekly outings.

Young Swimmers Making Waves

The Barracuda Swim Club, which proudly calls the aquatic center home, plays a pivotal role in nurturing young swimming talent aged 5 to 18. Open to any child capable of swimming one length of the pool, the club offers coaching that helps budding swimmers prepare for competitions. They even compete against teams from cities like Sturgis, Lansing, Grand Ledge, and Jackson.

In fact, the excitement is contagious as kids often astonish themselves with their swimming abilities by the end of the season. The club is not just drawing children from Coldwater but also attracting home-schooled students who are seeking to meet their physical education requirements. This blend of ambition and dedication creates an energizing environment for young athletes.

High School Success and Future Opportunities

Coldwater High School’s Swim Coach pointed out that the Barracuda Swim Club plays a crucial role in enhancing participation in high school swim teams, with current members actively competing in the I-8 and SMAC conferences. Over the years, many of these talented swimmers have even qualified for state competitions, showcasing the effective training and camaraderie fostered throughout the club.

For aspiring swimmers, now is the perfect time to jump on board with the Barracuda Club. By joining early, they can build essential skills and confidence as they glide through the waters of competition.

Catch the Wave at Coldwater Aquatic Center

For anyone interested in joining the fun, updates on the aquatic center’s hours and programs are readily available on the Coldwater Community Schools’ website. With a renewed focus on community engagement and an array of exciting offerings, there’s never been a better time to dive into the refreshing waters of Coldwater’s Aquatic Center!

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