Swimmers of all ages and skill levels will have more to look forward to at Cady Way Pool thanks to an expansion project by Blue Dolfins swim club. The plans, approved earlier this year by City Hall, will include a new 50-meter pool to accommodate an increasing demand for space.
“We’re currently full in Winter Park from April 1 through the summer months,” Blue Dolfins’ coach Joe Auer told the32789. “The expansion will allow more people to come out and swim with us, and offer more opportunities for lessons and space for competitions.”
The club was founded by Rollins College swim coach Harry Meisel in 1972 and has hosted thousands of events and training sessions between its Winter Park and Oviedo facilities.
According to Auer, Blue Dolfins’ contractor, Myrtha Pools USA, has worked with sports clubs around the world and is known for its modular stainless steel and PVC designs. Project renderings show the addition taking a portion of a multipurpose area that was the softball field. “The pool is fitting into the space along with two to three volleyball courts,” Auer said. “There’s been a demand for those courts for some time.”
The City would benefit from that demand by renting the spaces for competitions and nighttime events. The project is expected to have no impact on current Cady Way amenities and the additions would adhere to the existing pool schedule and regulations on lighting and sound systems. City funds would not be used for construction as Blue Dolfins is planning a capital campaign to cover costs. “We’ll be reaching out to friends and family and businesspeople in the area to help us fund it,” Auer said.
No construction timetable is currently available as permitting and fundraising are in progress, but Auer estimates the project could be finished within 14 months. “We wanted to create an area where people can swim at any time of the day,” he said. “There’s always going to be space for residents and it’ll have more of a resort-style feel.”