Shenendehowa CSD, Aquatics Center

Clifton Park, New York

For years, the Shen swim teams had traveled to area pools both as visitors and as home hosts but this past September 2009, they had a place they could finally call home.  On September 22, their first swim meet was held on their home turf and to their delight, they enjoyed a victorious outcome coupled with attaining nine pool records.

The school community's diligent effort helped bring the new Aquatic Center to fruition.  "This is the result of a grassroots effort of hundreds of people throughout Clifton Park," said former swimming and diving coach Pat Seligman.  "It is a gem of an aquatics center; it is the nicest facility in Upstate New York."

Working with a prominent aquatic consultant, Mosaic designed the new Aquatics Center to be a signature facility for the Shenendehowa school community.  The pool consists of eight lanes with a moveable bulkhead to allow three configurations for standard swim competitions, water polo competitions, and a separate deep-end space for diving with four competitive diving boards.  Bleachers accommodate 500 spectators.  The Aquatic Center will serve the district's physical education program with swimming lessons for third graders, middle school students and the exploration of elective units for high school students. 

The community will also have the opportunity to partake in various educational and recreational programs including open lap swims for the public and seniors, swim lessons, life guard training, and aquatic aerobics. Undoubtedly, this facility will have a tremendous impact within the community. 

School Board President, Janet Grey shared some powerful thoughts at the opening ceremony.

"When I think of this pool and the people it will serve, I am reminded of my mother.  At 15, she was invited to go boating with some friends.  Furious with her parents that she was not allowed to spend the day on the water, she later discovered that the boat had capsized and that several kids had drowned.  She would've been one of them.  An indelible mark in her memory, she made certain that my 5 siblings and I all knew how to swim.  We may all have our own personal dedications for this pool; I will be dedicating it to my mother.  This is what this pool will be about...the health, safety and wellness of our community."