What Locals Are Saying

“There are so many ways in which an aquatic center can benefit our community. I grew up a competitive swimmer and know it’s an activity that provides fun and enjoyment for all ages. I’m a physical therapist now and we really need a place to help adults to improve their cardiovascular endurance while limiting the impact on their joints. It can also be a place to help kids improve physically and emotionally. An indoor aquatic facility can be transformed to facilitate exercise, an obstacle course for fun, a gym for recovering from injury or just a safe, clean place for families to enjoy.  

 – Hunter Richardson

“I have worked at Woodward Hospital my entire career and also currently serve on the Woodward City Commission.  I will never forget the time when the hospital was recruiting a physician to Woodward that we felt was a perfect match for the community and northwest Oklahoma. Ultimately, we lost the highly needed specialist to another community because his daughter was a competitive swimmer and Woodward did not have the facilities she needed to train for her sport.  As a long term citizen of Woodward and someone who cares about the attractiveness of our city and our ability to attract professionals, I would love to see an indoor Aquatic Center located here!”

 – John Brown

“My teenage son has said to me, “Dad, there are only two things for people to do in this town - bowling and crime.” He knew this was a melodramatic overstatement, but it still has a ring of truth. There’s not a whole lot of fun, wholesome recreational things for youth to do in our area. Something like this aquatic center would be fun for all ages. I think it would attract a lot of people to our town, and keep others here who might otherwise leave. I think it should be a high priority project for Woodward.”

– Shannon Davis

“An aquatics center in Woodward would be such a tremendous asset for our community.  I’m a firm believer that learning to swim is not a luxury, but a necessity.   This year-round facility would offer a place for every child and adult to learn to swim.  Other amenities would potentially include aquatic exercise classes, lap lanes, water safety instruction, a water playground and a multitude of other water and swimming-related programs.  An aquatics facility provides incredible opportunities for all and benefits everyone, regardless of age or physical capabilities. This exciting opportunity would be a terrific addition to our city and I very much look forward to this becoming a reality.”

– Leah Barby