Story Credit
All credit for this story belongs to The Arizona Republic. To view this story on their website, click here.
A recreation center aimed primarily at people with disabilities is renovating its pools thanks to an Arizona Diamondbacks grant.
Using a $100,000 Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation Ken Kendrick Grand Slam Award, the Ability360 Aquatic Center’s three fully adaptive pools are undergoing a remodeling that includes new heaters, new plaster, new elevator chairs and leveling the therapy pool depth to four feet, among other improvements.
The 40-plus day renovation of the Lap Pool, Therapy Pool and Spa started Dec. 5 with completion expected in late February when an open house and ribbon cutting event will be scheduled.
Ability360 received the grant at the D-backs’ 10th Annual Evening on the Diamond in April as part of a total donation of $1 million to 12 local nonprofit organizations. Overall, 63 Grand Slam Awards totaling more than $5.2 million have been distributed since 2002.
“The Aquatic Center pools are among our most important resources for both therapy and simple enjoyment by our members and the community at large,” Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center Vice President and General Manager Gus LaZear said. “With support from the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, we will be able to update, upgrade and improve the pool’s features which, in turn, will provide an even better experience.”
The center is at 5031 E. Washington St. in Phoenix.
The pools are used by disabled and able-bodied individuals, LaZear said, and are supervised by certified and trained Ability360 staff members.
The Lap Pool features an elevator lift, hydraulic lift and transfer station for entry. Pool depth ranges from 4 feet 6 inches to 10 feet with the deep end suitable for scuba diving. The pool is heated between 80 and 84 degrees.
The Therapy Pool also features elevator and hydraulic lifts and transfer access and is heated between 88 and 92 degrees. Renovation will include leveling the depth to an even 4 feet from the current range of 3-to-5 feet.
The Spa, with hydraulic lift and transfer access, is 3-feet deep and is heated to a maximum of 102 degrees.
Complete information about the pools, including pool rules and safety, can be found at www.ability360.org/sports/aquatics.