Redevelopment Commission hears plans for rebranding, reorganizing Aquatic Center

Bob Sturtevant, President of Plymouth Aquatics, appeared before the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday evening to provide a progress update on the Bardwell Aquatics Center. He expressed gratitude to Mayor Robert Listenberger for assembling a group of interested individuals who have been meeting weekly over the past three months, focusing primarily on the issue of operating the aquatic center to ensure it can support itself. He also thanked the City of Plymouth, the Plymouth Community School Corporation, the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission, and the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, the four stakeholders involved in the building.     

The new volunteer board consists of thirteen community leaders who view swimming as an essential life skill. Together, they decided to reorganize and rebrand the existing not-for-profit, “We Love Swimming,” as “Plymouth Aquatics.” They also made a recommendation to the city to rename the facility “The Plymouth Community Aquatic Center,” a facility to be operated and managed by a nonprofit grassroots organization called Plymouth Aquatics, and brand it as Plymouth.

Sturtevant told Redevelopment Commission members that the new Plymouth Aquatics board plans to fundraise $300,000 annually to support the operations and sustainability of the community center. The board’s plans include seeking corporate and individual gifts, as well as advertising inside and outside the facility. He stated that they already have $100,000 in pledges and collected donations. The funds, which they refer to as gifts, will be deposited into an account at the Marshall County Community Foundation. Additional revenue will be generated through memberships, auctions, special events, concessions, food truck events, and other activities.

Sturtevant stated that the new board plans to run the facility more efficiently by seeking ways to cut utility costs and other expenses. Employees will have clear job descriptions and training, with a focus on cleanliness and safety to guarantee an exceptional guest experience.

The Plymouth Aquatics board has committed to managing the operating expenses and staffing for the Plymouth Community Aquatic Center on behalf of the city.

The PA board plans to operate the not-for-profit business with greater clarity, vision, and financial disclosure to its partners: the Plymouth Community School Corporation, City of Plymouth, Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, and Plymouth Redevelopment Commission. Sturtevant said a Plymouth Aquatic board member will regularly communicate with our partners.

The PA board plans to expand programming to ensure steady utilization of the facility for both recreational and competitive activities. New programs are being introduced to expand the regular usage of the facility. Community events will be held throughout the year.

New branding for Plymouth Aquatics will be rolled out over social media to bolster a new brand and image in Plymouth and surrounding communities. Community leaders will be invited to special events to tour and become familiar with the facility as a new community center. While the operating model is unique for a community facility, it is expected that this organization can thrive with the support of its partners and fundraising.