The Plymouth Aquatic Center, a development over 7 years in the making, is set to open its doors in 2019, through the tireless efforts of 17 partner organizations. Approximately $8.4 million in funding has been secured, representing almost 90% of the project’s total capital investment. Now, the Marshall County community is invited to help contribute the remaining funds through the Aquatic Center Capital Campaign to make the center a fully functioning venue.
The Aquatic Center will provide a variety of programming to benefit the community such as improving safety by teaching swimming and lifesaving skills. This is especially vital for the children of Marshall County, an estimated 85% of whom have no or low swimming ability. The facility will also serve as a competitive venue, allowing Marshall County to host events, bring in visitors, and strengthen the local economy. Finally, the project will become the cornerstone of athletic and recreational development in Marshall County, improving quality of life and attracting more families to live here.
In addition, many special amenities will be included thanks to funding raised through the capital campaign. These items include exterior signage, a community billboard, facility canopy, pool scoreboard, audio system, timing system, security system, water treatment system, asphalt parking lot, and much more. These amenities will contribute to the functionality of the Aquatic Center.
“The goal is to ultimately create a venue that the community and those who use the facility will be proud of and put to closure 7 years of hard work by a group of committed local leaders,” according to Jerry Chavez, capital campaign member and President/CEO of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, “It’s amazing to understand that over 17 agencies have collaborated together to fund and support construction of this project.”
The City of Plymouth, Plymouth Community School Corporation, and Ancilla College will lease the facilities. Private business owners, Rick and Barb Miller, will serve as the operators and strategic partners to ensure the success of the Aquatic Center for years to come. Additional partners include the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission, and Marshall County Economic Development Corporation and many more.
“Plymouth really hit the lottery to move the project forward,” says Brad Serf, capital campaign member and Principal at Gibson, “The Aquatic Center was originally estimated at about $14 million. The current amount is a far cry from that figure. We’re excited to be able to bring all the potential benefits of this project to the Plymouth community at a significantly reduced cost.”
The Aquatic Center has been made possible by a truly unique financing plan that leverages over $3 million of funding through New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) and Regional Cities funding. The development broke ground in July 2018 and is currently 25% constructed. Work is expected to be completed by August 2019.
The finished product will be a 27,000 square foot facility with a 10-lane pool, 2 diving boards, 3 family changing rooms, and seating for over 435 people.
For more information or to contribute to the Aquatic Center Capital Campaign, please contact Jerry Chavez, MCEDC President/CEO, at (574) 935-8499.
