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I retired from over 20 years as a Parks and Recreation Director earlier this year. Throughout my career, I read countless articles emphasizing the necessity of community pools. The statistics on the importance of these facilities have been shared extensively, highlighting the benefits they provide.
As I transitioned to my new role with Landmark Aquatic — a national commercial aquatics company that provides design, construction and maintenance services — a few things have stood out to me on this topic. First, people in the aquatics industry are deeply passionate about the safety of those who use their products. Everyone, from the person selling chlorine tabs to the designer of waterslides, is committed to ensuring the safety of users. Throughout my career, I have worked in various sectors — including business, the military and public service — and I can confidently say that such dedication to the end user is rare. Additionally, in today’s digital age, spaces that promote physical activity, social interaction and overall wellness are more crucial than ever. Commercial aquatic facilities such as public pools and aquatic centers play a key role in helping achieve personal goals and enhancing community life.
In my new role as a business development specialist, I get to visit many former colleagues and swap “aquatic war stories” with them. Anyone who has built, operated, overseen or worked at a pool has these stories, and yet people remain committed to the business for the long run. Why? What are the deeper reasons behind the continued caring for and popularity of these facilities? In the industry, we know these venues provide spaces for recreation, fitness, safety education and much more. From teaching essential water safety skills to offering therapeutic benefits and boosting local economies, commercial aquatic facilities help build safer, healthier and more connected communities.
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One of the most critical roles these facilities play is in water safety education and drowning prevention. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death globally, particularly among children younger than five. Teaching citizens how to swim is a crucial skill that saves lives, and community pools offer accessible swimming lessons for children and adults alike.
“Creating facilities that provide learn-to-swim programs and water safety education is a core value of many of the most respected commercial aquatics companies,” says J. Ryan Casserly, CEO of Landmark Aquatic. “We believe every child should have the opportunity to learn life-saving skills in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.”
Recently, I spoke with a park director from a county seat community in a rural part of our state that has a wonderful aquatics facility. While he talked about his many challenges operating the facility, he soon launched into a story that exemplifies why he does what he does. He said that his facility was recently visited by a church summer camp group from a small town 40 miles away. Within the first 20 minutes of the group arriving and spreading out through the aquatic attractions, his staff made four serious drowning saves, more than they had made during the previous two months combined. For me, this story emphasized that water safety issues are not confined to urban or low-resource rural areas. The truth is that quality water safety instruction is a universal issue and need.
Beyond safety, every day I see commercial aquatic facilities bringing both social and economic benefits to communities. They attract visitors from surrounding areas, driving local business to restaurants, shops and hotels. Larger aquatic centers or waterparks can significantly boost tourism, providing a steady stream of visitors who contribute to the local economy. Aquatic centers also create jobs for lifeguards, instructors, maintenance staff and administrative workers. Moreover, they provide venues for competitive sports, nurturing young talent and promoting healthy competition.
Having managed aquatic centers, it is clear to me that they are more than just places to swim — they are social hubs where people of all ages gather, fostering community connections. Whether its parents bringing their kids for swimming lessons, friends enjoying a weekend at the pool, or seniors participating in water aerobics, these spaces bring people together. “Pools aren’t just about the water; they’re about connection,” explains Russell Leto, president of Landmark Aquatic. “The aquatic facilities we build and maintain are central gathering places where neighbors meet, friendships are formed, and community bonds are strengthened.”
Yet, we sometimes overlook how these benefits impact individuals on a personal level. Years ago, I chaired a multimillion-dollar fundraising campaign for a community center expansion. One day, the retired CEO of a major local company who was known for cutting costs and resisting community investments reached out, wanting to work on the campaign. It was surprising because he was not typically involved in community projects. He explained that after having a stroke, he used the local pool for therapy and saw firsthand how the facility touched lives across all age groups. This experience changed him, and he became a lifelong advocate for community capital projects.
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Community connections, water safety, job creation, physical activity and economic impact are all compelling reasons to support aquatic facilities. However, the deepest reason for their existence is something Coach Tyronn Lue once convinced me of — some kids do not have anyone in their lives to set a positive example. For many, public pools and parks are lifelines that give them hope and an opportunity to envision a better future. Coach Lue, now an NBA Championship coach and Olympic coach, grew up shoveling snow off the basketball court to practice for a shot at a college scholarship and a career in the NBA. His story reminds us that these community spaces can be transformative.
Aquatic facilities allow people of all walks of life to achieve their own goals. You don’t have to swim in a straight line. You can just do somersaults underwater. You can sit under the splash bucket or jump off the diving board. It’s your choice. The aquatics industry doesn’t just build pools — it builds spaces that offer freedom, relaxation, personal growth and joy. These facilities become places of healing, hope and connection, enriching lives in countless ways.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chad Shoemaker serves as the Midwest Business Development Specialist at Landmark Aquatic, bringing over 30 years of diverse leadership experience across public and private sectors. Prior to joining Landmark Aquatic, he was the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Mexico, Missouri, for over two decades, where he managed over 500 acres of parks, cemeteries, and forestry operations, and spearheaded numerous community partnerships. With a background in strategic planning, relationship development, and customer service, Chad’s extensive career includes roles in manufacturing, project management, and even military service in the U.S. Navy Reserve.