Thank you to all who joined us for the dedication and grand opening of the new Olympic-sized pool at RecPlex on Thursday, June 10. The event featured a brief dedication ceremony and tours of the facility. Frozen custard was served following the ceremony courtesy of Culvers of Pleasant Prairie.
RecPlex began construction of the new pool during 2009. The project was made possible through a community-focused partnership with Uline, Inc. The pool has been constructed to meet USA Swimming standards for pool certification. The Village has chosen to do so with the goal of being considered for larger, high-level competitive swimming events. In addition to accommodating competitive events, the new pool will offer RecPlex members and the local community additional opportunities for: lap lane swimming, expanded swimming lessons, triathlon training programs, indoor triathlons and more.
The new Olympic-sized pool, officially designated the RecPlex Aqua Arena, will begin hosting competitive swimming events this month. Five events have been scheduled thus far. On June 25 and 26, the Southeast Aquatics Swim Team (SEAY) will host the SEAY Open. On July 2 and 3, the Lake Forest Swim Club will host Wisconsin SwimFest, a USA Swimming and Wisconsin Swimming sanctioned meet. July 16 through 18, SEAY will host a Silver State Meet. July 29 through August 1, the Kenosha Barracuda Swim Team will host the 13 and Over State Championships, and August 6 through 9, the Kenosha Barracuda Swim Team will host the 14 and Under Central Zone Championship Meet.
"Competitions at the pool are expected to offer a boost in tourism spending as area businesses provide convenience services and goods to swimmers and their families," explained Carol Willke, Director of Recreation for the Village of Pleasant Prairie. "The impact in tourism dollars from hotel stays, retail visits and restaurant spending is expected to be substantial." During late 2009, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism awarded the Kenosha Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau a $9,950 "Ready, Set, Go" grant to help bring swimmers to the area. Ready, Set, Go grants support the establishment of competitive sporting events in the State.
RecPlex is a multisport recreational complex offering health, wellness and family resources to residents of southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. RecPlex is located just east of I-94 inside Prairie Springs Park at 9900 Terwall Terrace in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.