Wendell Foster has unveiled a new $700,000 Aquatic Center designed to expand therapy options for people with disabilities, thanks to a mix of donor support and state funding.
The nonprofit organization, which has offered aquatic therapy since 1947, celebrated the opening on Tuesday at its Latham Outpatient Therapy Facility. The new center includes slip-resistant tiles, accessible restrooms, and a zero-entry saltwater pool with multiple depths to serve clients of different ages and abilities.
CEO Doug Hoyt said the new facility is designed for functionality and accessibility in ways the previous pool, built in the 1980s, could not provide.
“The one we built in the ’80s was a typical pool you might see in your backyard,” Hoyt said. “It was much bigger, but two-thirds of it was unusable just because of the depth of the water. This one is all functional, and it’s a saltwater pool as opposed to a chlorine pool, which is much easier on the body and easier to maintain.”
The pool features five therapy levels ranging from zero to five feet, along with handrails and chair lift devices for clients who cannot use stairs. Hoyt said therapists can work on one platform while supporting a client at another, allowing for more tailored sessions. The facility also includes customizable lighting and sound systems to create sensory experiences.
“This pool is unique. It was designed by our people, and it’s one of a kind in the world,” Hoyt said. “It was 100% fundraised, and we are so grateful for the very generous donors who provided over $700,000 so we could build the pool and changing facilities.”
Fundraising for the project began nearly three years ago, with private donations supplemented by a $450,000 appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly through House Bill 1. Hoyt thanked State Representatives DJ Johnson and Suzanne Miles for their support and gave special recognition to Senator Gary Boswell for carrying the request through the legislature.
Kara Howard, Vice President of Development and Community Engagement, said completing the project was both a relief and a milestone.
“We’re excited. This has been several years in the making,” Howard said. “We’ve been doing aquatic therapy for several decades, and we needed to start new with a space that would allow us to continue this service. This new pool is state-of-the-art, designed in-house by our team, and there’s not another pool like it.”
Howard noted that aquatic therapy provides crucial benefits for people with disabilities, including pain management, muscle relaxation, and increased mobility. The new location inside the physical therapy building also improves efficiency for clients and therapists.
Hoyt said the center positions Wendell Foster to expand its outpatient therapy program.
“We’ve been actively engaged in aquatic therapy for nearly 40 years,” Hoyt said. “This new pool allows us to not just provide therapy for the folks who live with us, but also increase the number of outpatients we can serve. I envision this being an area of our work that is going to grow once people know about it and understand the benefits.”
Community members are invited to schedule tours of the facility by calling 270-683-4517 or emailing [email protected]
