The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation is asking for donations to help keep its aquatic center in Fort Walton Beach heated in October, requiring an additional $2,000 to maintain safe water temperatures for medically fragile individuals.
- The Foundation formed 10 years ago after local YMCA pools closed due to bankruptcy. The organization operates two aquatic centers — one in Destin and one in Fort Walton Beach — to provide recreational fitness opportunities for all children and adults.
At the beginning of 2025, the foundation had two aquatic centers and no intention of taking on another. The Arc of the Emerald Coast, which serves adults with disabilities, approached the foundation because they had a good pool they couldn’t afford to operate and asked the foundation to consider filling in.
The Foundation’s first response was no, until they examined a pool at 341 Holmes Boulevard that was built to serve all. The facility has a ramp, wheelchair access, a chair lift, and is shallow enough for all to feel comfortable while still having depth for swim lessons. It also includes a beautiful climate-controlled recreation room, conference room and offices.
- The Foundation opened the pool in late March and has since taught hundreds of swim lessons, including dozens of children with special needs ranging from autism, spinal cord injuries, hearing and vision impairments, and severe ADHD.
The organization has managed to break even through summer but hopes to continue operating the pool through October. Children with special needs cannot afford to have their lessons stop mid-year, and the foundation estimates heating costs will require an additional $2,000 in October to maintain temperatures safe for medically fragile individuals.
The mission of the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation is to develop physical fitness and water safety among youth and adults of Okaloosa County by providing facilities and partnering with organizations to offer programs that will deliver opportunities for instruction, competition, therapy, fitness training and pure enjoyment in and around swimming and cycling.
The foundation is a registered 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible. Those interested in donating can call the foundation’s Community Outreach Coordinator Wendy Rudman at 850-598-0176.
