WAC Store is OPEN!        Support WAC at its store:  

          25% of all proceeds go directly to WAC

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Exciting News: Former Olympic Swim Coach David Marsh is WAC Advisor

According to Coach Marsh, WAC “will save lives, will enhance lives and will put Wilmington on the international map,” as reported in the WilmingtonBiz Journal. Former Olympic swim coach champions Wilmington Aquatic Center | WilmingtonBiz (Jan 8, 2026)

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SFC Feasibility Study Concludes High Local Need & Demand for WAC

AND Create Major Economic Impact for the Wilmington Region

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), one of the largest operators of sports venues in the nation, completed a feasibility study of the Wilmington Aquatic Center (WAC) in 2025, involving numerous interviews of various stakeholders. Based on its research and analysis, SFC determined WAC would generate $22.7M in economic impact year 1 and $35M annual economic impact by year 5 of operation. Overall, SFC concluded: "SFC views the Wilmington Aquatic Center as a viable opportunity to develop a first-class venue that can attract national and international events while also providing a community amenity for which there is high local need and demand."

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Press Coverage of WAC:

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WILMA Magazine, Spring 2025: Cover Article About Olympian and WAC Spokesperson, Kathleen Baker

Gold Getter - WILMA magazine

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Port City Daily

https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2024/12/10/mini-olympic-like-village-pool-and-rec-center-planned-in-time-for-2028-summer-games/

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WilmingtonBiz

Former Olympic swim coach champions Wilmington Aquatic Center | WilmingtonBiz  (Jan 8, 2026)

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Aquatic center backers continue push | WilmingtonBiz  (Dec 10, 2025)

 

A first look at a planned aquatic center and recreation village | WilmingtonBiz (Dec 5, 2024)

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​WECT News 6 

https://www.wect.com/2024/12/05/aquatic-center-inclusive-recreational-space-be-heart-new-olsen-farm-recreation-village/

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https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/mindandbody/nonprofits-plan-to-build-135-acre-inclusive-recreation-center/ar-AA1vsMLL​

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​WWAY 3 

https://www.wwaytv3.com/wilmington-aquatic-center-proposal-highlights-drowning-prevention-and-olympic-potential-amid-funding-push/

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https://www.wwaytv3.com/135-acre-aquatic-sports-complex-coming-to-wilmington/

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Wilmington StarNews

Front Page, Jan 4, 2025, "Concerts, hotel among plans for area sports complex" by Daniel Sheehan

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Front Page, Dec 9, 2024, "2 Sports Recreation Centers Coming Olsen Farm Recreation Village will be home to WAC and ACCESS" by Daniel Sheehan

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StarNews Article on msn.com

Dec 30, 2024:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/a-sports-complex-in-new-hanover-to-include-major-swim-center-and-recreation-village/ar-AA1vk9Dg

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StarNews Article on yahoo! sports

Dec 5, 2024:  https://sports.yahoo.com/sports-complex-hanover-major-swim-120408743.html

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