Frequently Asked Questions

PhilAquatics is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization on a mission to develop and sustain a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center for the Greater Philadelphia Region, focused on the breadth of fitness and wellness needs for the entire community. The Center will be a welcoming and fully accessible community hub for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to enjoy the benefits of swimming and aquatic activities, whether recreational, therapeutic, or the highest level of competitive swimming.

PhilAquatics envisions the Aquatics Center to be a space where community connects, athletes compete, health and wellness are prioritized, and people of all ages and abilities are empowered through aquatics.

The PhilAquatics Board of Directors joined forces to develop this project because they recognized the astonishing lack of a multi-purpose, inclusive, aquatics facilities in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Notably, there is no comparable center within a 2-hour drive.

The Center plans to have 5 separate pools to cover lessons, training, therapy, competitive swimming, and family recreation. Related amenities will include flexible meeting and classroom space, cardio and strength training facilities, and both interior and exterior space for sports and summer camps as well as family gatherings. Plans also include green space for walking, jogging and biking trails, as well as outdoor events and activities including family or community gatherings.

The Aquatic Center will provide a full range of programs for people of all skill levels and interests, to promote health, learning, and empowerment through the joy of aquatic activities. Just some of the planned programs include baby and toddler classes, aqua fitness, water polo, school and masters swim team practice and competitions, and therapy for those recovering from injuries. Key to the mission of PhilAquatics is to ensure broad community access and inclusivity for all.

The PhilAquatics Board has undertaken a lengthy and thorough research process in order to select the optimal site for the Aquatic Center. Regionally, the Board has explored 19 potential building sites to focus market research and determine the best possible location for the Aquatic Center. Representatives of the Board also have visited 10 comparable aquatic facilities across 6 states, to capture best practices and “lessons learned” which will inform every aspect of project development. With this information in hand, the Board has narrowed the PhilAquatics site selection to the 3 locations determined to be the most suitable to achieve the organization’s mission priorities. The Board anticipates making a final site selection by April 2024.

In developing the plans for the facilities and programming, the Board is mindful that the Aquatic Center must be accessible to ALL in our community. Every effort is being made to ensure inclusivity through intentionality in the design of the Center’s programming and funding plan. Inclusion and accessibility consultants are integral to the planning process, ensuring that the Aquatic Center goes well beyond the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to create a community space of belonging for all persons, including those with disabilities, economic limitations, or other specialized needs.

PhilAquatics’ funding plan includes support from and partnerships with a mix of public and private sources, including individuals; strategic partners; local, state and federal governments; foundations; corporations; school districts; community organizations; healthcare providers; and convention and visitors’ bureaus. The initial response from stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive, evidencing an early consensus that the Aquatic Center will fill a regional resource gap and bring an abundance of benefits to area residents and businesses.

The Aquatic Center’s offerings will be above and beyond any currently available options at traditional pools or gyms. Also unique will be the emphasis on access and inclusivity, with affordable programming tailored to diverse needs and aquatic goals. The Center also is expected to generate significant dollars for the local economy, and help attract and retain residents and businesses, as a result of the many competitive aquatic events, training camps, and sports clinics to be hosted at the facility each year (estimated at 90 - 100 full or partial event days per year), as well daily user attendance.

The PhilAquatics Board of Directors includes members with deep expertise in business, health and wellness, education, community organizations, real estate, nonprofits, and, of course, aquatics! All members share a passion for and commitment to aquatics, and to ensuring that the full breadth of community will have access to the life enhancing programming and benefits of the Aquatic Center. Through their professional and personal connections, the Board also is assembling a broad network of highly aligned stakeholders to support the creation and funding of a facility of this size and scope.

View the bios of the PhilAquatics Board of Directors.

Your donation of any size will move PhilAquatics another step closer to reaching our funding goals to make this transformative Aquatic Center a reality! Please visit our website to make a donation, https://buy.stripe.com/8wM5mU1oPggS6LmbII.

You are welcome to contact Geoffrey A. Meyer, Executive Director, at gmeyer@PhilAquatics.org, or to learn more about this exciting project and help make the Aquatic Center a reality, please visit www.philaquatics.org.