Proposed Springfield aquatic center would address swim practice, water therapy needs

A nonprofit organization in Springfield is planning a new aquatic center for north Springfield.

The proposed Well Aquatic Center might find a home near the Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town, according to Laura Gott, who is behind the project. The $35 million development would include a 50-meter long-course pool, four-lane learn-to-swim pool, a diving well, heated therapy pools with treadmills, and conference rooms.

Gott said the 70,000 square-foot facility will allow for longer practice times for high school swimmers, expanded learn-to-swim programs with public schools, and water therapy opportunities.

"All of that is improving the quality of life for the Ozark community," Gott said. "Not to mention the health aspects, obviously. It's not only good for physical health. It's good for mental health."

Gott said her daughter did competitive swimming in Springfield for more than 12 years. Within the first year, she noticed that the area needed a long-course pool. Currently, Springfield has one 25-meter, six-lane short-course pool at the John H. Foster Natatorium. The 50-meter pool at the Well Aquatic Center would be 25 meters wide, allowing for short-course swimming across the pool during practice.

"That's important because a big focus is to allow all the area high schools to have more time for practices," Gott said.

In addition to addressing Springfield's lack of platform diving and an Olympic-sized pool, Gott said the development will also allow for much needed water therapy resources in the Ozarks. Gott said such therapy is beneficial for physical therapy patients as well as those with multiple sclerosis. She added it can also help special needs kids learn adaptive skills.

"You talk to anyone around this area involved in swimming, as well as anyone in this area that's involved in physical therapy, you're going to find that they all know that this is a huge need here," Gott said.

The Well Aquatic Center would also bring tourism to the Queen City, as the 70,000 square-foot development with conference rooms would be capable of hosting large swim meets. She said those meets can often last from three to five days, which means three to five days of Springfield hotel accommodations.

More: Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town facility officially opens in northwest Springfield

The project is still in the planning and fundraising stage, Gott says, but the community's interest has been piqued. On Saturday, April 13, she held a public meeting that drew more than 50 attendees. Shortly before, Gott went live on Facebook with the plans. She said the video has since garnered more than 2000 views, with the Well Aquatic Center Facebook page gathering more than 300 followers.

Gott hopes the Well will be a private-public partnership, though negotiations are still taking place.

"We've got to raise $35 million-plus. The reason why I'm saying 'plus' is there's always things that can happen," Gott said.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: $35 million aquatic center proposed for north Springfield