Wilmington

Location

Wilmington Aquatic Center (WAC) will be located in Wilmington, NC adjacent to I-40 at Murrayville Road on land being donated for WAC and the ACCESS of Wilmington Inclusive Recreation Center. The land donation continues a 20-year history of generous Olsen Farm land donation, which included 65 acres that is now Olsen Park, featuring the largest Miracle Field in the US, where ACCESS of Wilmington provides adaptive sports programs for individuals with disabilities, including Veterans.

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Vision

Wilmington Aquatic Center addresses a long-standing need in Southeastern North Carolina to increase access to swimming in the region. WAC will be open to the public year-round, allowing individuals of all ages, abilities, incomes and backgrounds to enjoy the water safely. Currently in the pre-development stage, WAC will feature indoor and outdoor 50 meter Olympic-size pools, dive well, therapy pool, recreation pool and splash pad.

 

Connected to WAC will be the ACCESS Inclusive Recreation Center, a fully adaptive recreation center for children, adults and seniors with disabilities, including Veterans and First Responders. Together, WAC and the ACCESS Recreation Center will foster the health, fitness and well-being of the whole community.

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Beyond their recreational and wellness benefits, WAC and the ACCESS Inclusive Recreation Center will serve as valuable local and regional assets, contributing to the social and economic vibrancy of a fast-growing area.  

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WAC Mission

Wilmington Aquatic Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide an instructional, therapeutic, recreational and competitive venue that promotes water safety, health and economic opportunities for all residents and visitors of New Hanover County, and the surrounding area. WAC’s primary mission is to increase access to swimming to prevent drowning tragedies.

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• Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4

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• Drowning is the #2 cause of death for children ages 5-14

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• Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children and adults with autism

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• Almost 40 million adults can’t swim and have never taken a swim lesson.

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​​According to the CDC, access to swimming and water safety lessons “can save lives.”  

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Learn More 

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0514-vs-drowning.html

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https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html​​​​​​​​​​