Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre - Business Plan: 2013 - 2017 November 2012
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Table of Contents Executive Summary …………………………………………………………………..1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………2 Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles………………………………………….4 Goals, Strategies and Priorities for PEFAC, 2013-2017…………………..6 Financial Plan………………………………………………………………………………..13 Letters of Support – Quinte Dolphins Swim Team; Dr. Stephen Blanchard
1 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Executive Summary The Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Facility (PEFAC) is celebrating its 7th anniversary this year and has become a vital part of the County’s community fabric. Our swimming, fitness and activity programs are essential to encouraging fitness, health and wellness for County residents of all ages, all abilities and all means. PEFAC is home to the County’s only indoor swimming pool – a Junior Olympic, 25 metre pool that is used for Swim to Survive programs, swimming lessons, public swims (including ‘beat the heat’ swims and free public swims), adult aqua fit and is home to the Quinte Dolphin Swim Club. The swimming pool cannot be financially self-sustaining while remaining affordable and accessible to the community as a whole, and we are grateful for the continued support of the Municipality to assist us in maintaining the pool – the ‘heart’ of PEFAC. A wide range of non-aquatic fitness and recreation programs for all ages help to cover the expenses of the physical structure and the staff required for the pool. These programs include group fitness classes, children’s programs such as day camps (March Break, summer, Christmas), dance and gymnastics, squash and personal training. PEFAC is also the off-ice training facility for the Picton Pirates and the Wellington Dukes. Participants come from across the County and have grown from 800 to over 2,600 different individuals in seven years, more than 10% of the County’s population. PEFAC works actively with other community groups such as the Health Unit, Community Living Prince Edward, the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board, the Lifesaving Society, the Prince Edward County Women’s Institute and the County Kids of Steel Triathlon to further our mission – “to promote and support the health of our community by providing a swimming pool and fitness facility with diverse recreational programs that are accessible to everyone regardless of physical, economic or social barriers.” In contrast to the other fitness centres and programs across the County, PEFAC is a not-for-profit organization. PEFAC’s annual operating budget is about $500,000, some 85% of which comes from the facility’s users and programs. The Municipality of the County of Prince Edward committed $60,000 per year (for a five year period ) to help support operations and keep the facility affordable and accessible to all. The Municipality has also provided capital support of $20,000 - $26,000 per year over the past four years, down from $40,000 earlier. The long term stability of PEFAC is crucial to strengthening our base of users and keeping a strong, professional staff. PEFAC has a lease from the Lester family for the facility for the next five years, through 2017. Over this period, we will be working hard to become more self-sufficient, keeping the facility and its programs affordable while dealing with ever increasing operating costs. We will continue to deliver swimming, fitness and activity programs to all ages, abilities and incomes levels, encouraging a healthy community in the County. We will cultivate a skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate staff operating in a positive work environment. And we will undertake a number of critical facility upgrades, strengthening our efforts around fundraising to help support these initiatives. Over the longer term, we will explore opportunities to expand and upgrade the current facility to meet the increasing demand of County residents, and those moving into our community, for affordable swimming, fitness and physical activity opportunities that contribute to their physical health along with their mental and social well- being. Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
2 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Introduction Some Thoughts from our The Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatics Centre (PEFAC) was established in Users 2005. The facility was originally built and operated as a fitness centre by the Lester family in tribute to a family member. After 20 years of operating this facility, the family decided to close the facility. In an effort to keep the “PEAC is the heart of the facility open, members established a ‘Friends of the Rec Plex’ and elected a community. It serves the full Board of Directors. spectrum of the population from children to adults, young and The name of the facility was changed to the Prince Edward Fitness and old, retired people and working Aquatic Centre and it was incorporated as a non-profit organization. families. It is vibrant and Participant numbers had fallen drastically and several significant facility diverse. With a 25 meter Junior Olympic Pool at the centre, upgrades were required. It was evident that it would take time to re- PEFAC is a uniquely great place establish the participant base, programs and services. we couldn’t do without.” A lease for the facility was negotiated with the Lester family (the current Mary Jane McDowell lease continues until 2017). Prince Edward County provided critical support Hillier towards maintaining operations and many volunteers stepped forward to offer their time and expertise. “I love how PEFAC is reflective of We are delighted with what has been achieved in the past few years. PEFAC the community. Everyone, is now celebrating its 7th anniversary and has become a vital part of Prince young and old working out, Edward County’s community fabric. Numerous facility upgrades have been swimming and exercising to done and a wide range of programs established. Participants come from improve their lives and their across Prince Edward County and have grown from 800 to 2,600 different health” individuals – more than 10% of the County’s population. Bob Cowan South Marysburgh PEFAC’s annual operating budget is $500,000, some 85% generated by the facility’s users and programs, including membership fundraising initiatives. The Municipality provides $60,000 per year to help support operations. I have been an active member of PEFAC for a number of years Since 2008 PEFAC has spent $202,000 on capital projects with $131,000 participating in the aqua fit from fundraising and grants and the balance of $71,000 contributed by the classes. The classes have been so municipality. PEFAC has created 4 full time and almost 50 part-time jobs. beneficial to my health and fitness and Dr. Approved! I joined when the facilities were under the Rec Plex and I can’t say enough about how the management and staff have improved the programs, facilities, instructors and attitudes. Kudos to all and keep up the good work! Jean Clark Consecon Lake, Hillier Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
3 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre PEFAC has become an essential element in encouraging fitness, health and wellness in Prince Edward County. With increasing levels of childhood obesity and the reduction in physical education programs in our schools, our swimming and activity programs for children and youth play an indispensable role in the health of our community. Our adult swimming, aquafit, fitness and activity programs are seeing increased participation in response to the growing interest in physical activity as a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle and the need for rehabilitation facilities. The Prince Edward Family Health Team endorses the importance of PEFAC to the health of our community and the need for the services we offer. PEFAC works with a variety of community groups including Community Living Prince Edward, Recreation Outreach Centre, the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board, the Lifesaving Society (Swim to Survive Program), the County Kids of Steel Triathlon and the Prince Edward County Women’s Institute. The Municipality of Prince Edward County has provided support to PEFAC for the past seven years and this support has been crucial to the ongoing operation of the facility and to critical facility improvements. PEFAC’s Facilities and Programs PEFAC houses a Junior Olympic (25 metre) indoor pool, a weight room, cardio room with fitness equipment, squash courts and studio for group activities as well as support facilities. PEFAC offers a wide range of programs and services throughout the year with over 100 programs. These programs cater to all ages – from babies to the over 80s, all abilities and income levels. PEFAC provides assistance to those who are unable to afford the full fees; some 5% of users are assisted in this way with some monies being contributed from PEFAC’s fundraising efforts. PEFAC’s core programs include: Swimming lessons including Swim to Survive for most of the Grade 3 classes from across The County Public swims including extra free swims as part of ‘beat the heat’ initiatives Adult aqua fit and group fitness classes with over 40 classes each week Personal training programs, customized to the interests and fitness level of participants Children’s programs including summer day camps, March break camp, Christmas holiday camp, dance and gym, and gymnastics Zumba – fitness classes featuring exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats, for children youth, adults and active older adults Squash lessons, house league clinics and tournaments PEFAC is home to the Quinte Dolphin Swim Club (see the letter at the end of the document) and is the off-ice training facility for the Picton Pirates Junior C Hockey club and the Wellington Dukes. Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
4 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles Vision PEFAC envisions a community aquatic and fitness facility that provides recreational, therapeutic and social opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and income levels. Mission PEFAC is a non-profit corporation that strives to promote and support the health of our community by providing a swimming pool and fitness facility with diverse recreational programs that are accessible to everyone regardless of physical, economic or social barriers. Guiding Principles In our community, an overwhelming number of medical issues can be related to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Many of these illnesses are preventable or manageable with regular physical activity and healthier eating habits. Swimming is one of the most important and accessible activities available and one of the best overall exercises. Many people who are unable to participate in other activities are able to become physically active in a swimming pool. PEFAC’s aquatics facility is essential to the physical health of our community with programs such as swimming lessons, aqua fitness (water aerobics), personal training and public swims. Water safety is critically important. The County is surrounded by water and there are several inland lakes as well as a myriad of wetlands, streams, ponds and other water bodies. Knowing how to swim and understanding the dangers of water saves lives. PEFAC’s aquatic facility provides this essential service to residents of The County, especially our children. Participation in a wide array of fitness and recreational activities also contributes to physical, mental and social well-being. PEFAC’s extensive choice of equipment together with a variety of programs run by qualified instructors, responds to a range of interests and needs. Being part of the fabric of life in Prince Edward County is a fundamental principle of PEFAC. PEFAC’s facility is used by community groups such as the Quinte Dolphins, the Picton Pirates Hockey Club and the Prince Edward Family Health Team. Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
5 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre PEFAC does not turn away community members who are unable to pay the full fees. We will provide assistance in accessing resources that will help to make our facility and programs accessible to all and contribute monies from our fundraising efforts. PEFAC’s staff will outreach to other groups and organizations in the community such as the Health Unit (e.g. the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Healthy Communities Partnership) and Community Living Prince Edward and work on initiatives to encourage a fit and healthy community in Prince Edward County. We understand that the swimming pool cannot be financially self-sustaining while remaining affordable and accessible by the community as a whole. As such, we offer a wide range of non-aquatic fitness and recreation programs to help to cover the expense of the physical structure and staff required for the pool. We believe that the swimming pool is the ‘heart’ of the operation but that the other activities represent the organs that are vital to the survival of the whole operation. “As a medical doctor who has practiced in this community for 50 years, it is my opinion that the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Facility has kept a large number of people from having to use valuable hospital facilities” Dr. Earle Taylor Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
6 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Goals, Strategies and Priorities for PEFAC, 2013 to 2017 Goals PEFAC has established the following as its key goals: 1. Continue to provide an indoor Junior Olympic (25 m) pool and fitness facility for Prince Edward County. 2. Provide a broad range of innovative programs and services to the community - all ages, all abilities and all income levels. 3. Increase the number of participants (target increase of 5%) and nurture their involvement in our facility and programs. 4. Work towards becoming more self-sufficient while recognizing that the pool cannot be financially self- sustaining and remain affordable to residents. 5. Advance and support efforts to encourage a healthy community in Prince Edward County and awareness of the benefits of physical activity for all ages and abilities. 6. Cultivate a skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate staff operating in a positive and stable work environment. 7. To provide an aquatic and fitness facility that will serve the community on a long-term basis. I believe PEFAC’s contribution to our community is both important and valued. The welcoming and personable staff start off my positive visits. While I have taken a few spin classes, swimming and aquafit are my activities of choice – my workouts in the pool are relaxing, yet effective – and I can do this year round. Thanks PEFAC! Debbie Hepburn, North Marysburgh “I have a great life now since I started going to PEFAC. I have been unemployed for a couple of years – it was slowly getting to me, I was bored and had less and less energy as time went on. I was overweight, unhealthy and totally out of shape. Coming to Picton from Vancouver, a large city, was hard. That big step to open PEFAC’s front door and walk into the unknown was hard. I slowly started taking evening classes and meeting new friends. I started indoor group cycling classes a year ago and now I go 3 or 4 times a week! I love it! I am 20lbs lighter, healthy and HAPPY! My husband loves the new me! All the staff are amazing personalities – I love the ‘Hi Sher’ in the morning when I walk in. A few of us are now trying to organize swimming for adults that can’t swim, with a trainer. I am a lifer! I feel great and I am so excited to do new things. No stopping me now!” Sher Leyendeckers, Picton Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
7 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Strategies and Priorities Goal #1: Continue to provide an indoor Junior Olympic (25 m) pool and fitness facility for Prince Edward County Strategies To address issues and opportunities associated with continuing to provide the only indoor pool in Prince Edward County by continuing a regular program of pool maintenance and upkeep and addressing the immediate needs for repairs. To continue to maintain fitness and support facilities and equipment, undertake necessary upgrades and invest in new equipment to meet the expectations of our members and visitors. Priorities for Action PEFAC’s immediate and short term priorities with respect to the facilities are as follows: Immediate Priorities (2013/14) Over the next two years, PEFAC will continue to maintain and enhance the existing facilities as required. There are also a number of important facility issues that will be addressed. These include: Pool Resurface the pool floor and undertake other minor repairs, including repairs to the ceiling Other Facility Elements Continue to address issues around ventilation and heating/cooling Equipment Upgrade the computer system and printers, following a full assessment of existing equipment and the optimum approach to upgrading. Two new treadmills to replace equipment that is beyond repair A new sound system for the studio. External Improve the signage adjacent to the road so that it clearly describes what PEFAC is and what it has to offer. Improve lighting in the parking lot Other Priorities A number of other priorities relating to the facility have been identified. Some of these require further investigation as to the technical feasibility and cost/benefit before a decision can be made about proceeding with them. Other building improvements have been identified as being the responsibility of the building owners and will be addressed with them. Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
8 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Other Facility Elements Enlarge the studio/group fitness and cardio area so as to accommodate larger classes and equipment, and improve safety. Renovate the building entrance, foyer and reception desk area to improve accessibility as well as enhance control/security over persons entering the facility. Add a water fountain on the second level Install a family change room Replace flooring and carpets as required Repair the squash courts Equipment Add new weight room equipment Replace group fitness equipment with up-to-date equipment as required Goal #2: Provide a broad range of innovative programs and services to the community - all ages, all abilities and all means. Strategies To offer a range of aquatic, fitness and activity programs that appeal to all age groups and abilities. To offer programs that respond to the needs and interests of the community and participants, and to new trends in aquatics, fitness and wellness. Priorities for Action PEFAC’s immediate and other priorities with respect to programs and services are as follows: Immediate Priorities (2013/14) Attract part-time aquatic and group fitness instructors with broad skills and able to offer a diverse range of programs. Research, by various means including attending conferences and consulting with peers, new trends in programs and their suitability for PEFAC participants. Investigate the current and forthcoming provincial regulations with respect to: o Accessibility o Health and safety and prepare a report detailing the implications for PEFAC, and actions required, from both a facility and operational perspective. Investigate addition and expansion of the programs offered particularly in the following areas: o Programs for youth (12 – 18 years) o Programs for older adults o Additional ‘gentle’ fit programs o Expanded swimming lesson program with schools Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
9 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Implement an annual planning cycle for programs tied into the annual budgeting process. This annual planning process is to include a review of the previous year’s programs – what is working, what is not, what changes are needed and what new programs should be added. It would also include details on instructor needs and budget implications. Other Priorities Explore a triathlon/duathlon training program for adults. Explore a winter event/program involving multi-activities – swimming, treadmill, spinning, rowing Goal #3: Increase the number of participants and nurture their involvement in our facility and programs Strategies To foster a growing number of participants who are committed to enhancing their personal fitness and wellness at PEFAC, and are supportive of the organization and its programs. To increase the number of members (target increase of 5%) to help move the facility closer towards financial self- sufficiency. Priorities for Action PEFAC’s immediate and other priorities with respect to increasing participants and nurturing their involvement are as follows: Immediate Priorities (2013/14) Develop a strategy for attracting members with a target of 50 new members per year. The strategy is to include a review of membership categories, specials and approaches for converting occasional users to members. Upgrade the current website with a focus on a cleaner layout which can be easily updated. To accomplish this, we will seek out a volunteer(s) from within our participant base to take on this task. Develop and implement a social media strategy designed to build relationships with participants and keep them informed, and to increase the profile of PEFAC within the Prince Edward County community. Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
10 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Review the current marketing activities and prepare an updated strategy considering actions such as: o Membership in the Chamber of Commerce o Approach to realtors to provide information packages to new residents of the County (jointly with Prince Edward Yacht Club) o Forwarding information to all County recreation committees on a regular basis Survey participants to explore what they like/dislike about PEFAC, what they would like to see, key issues that need to be addressed. Increase volunteer support from participants by creating a volunteer coordinator position on the board (with assigned staff support) with a job description and clear goals. The first task would be to build a plan for the increased use of volunteers. Goal #4: Work towards becoming more self-sufficient while recognizing that the pool cannot be financially self-sustaining Strategies To continue our efforts to reduce, over time, PEFAC’s need for financial support from the County of Prince Edward, recognizing the fiscal challenges being faced by the municipality. To boost our fundraising efforts and focus on those that deliver the optimum cost-benefit to PEFAC. To work towards a continued partnership with the Municipality of the County of Prince Edward to supply a swimming pool (including Swim to Survive programs, lessons, etc.), fitness facility and activity programs on an affordable and accessible basis for the citizens of Prince Edward County. Priorities for Action Immediate Priorities (2013/14) Develop a fundraising strategy and plan, including a review of the cost/benefit of current fundraising activities, an annual plan and targets and expanded role of members in fundraising. Increase efforts to obtain increased recognition from the Municipality of the County of Prince Edward as to the importance of PEFAC’s pool to the community and to the need for funding to keep the pool available to community on an affordable basis. Seek out other forms of committed funding/sponsorship for the pool. Continue to develop programs to contribute to the financial sustainability of the facility in general Explore opportunities for corporate sponsorship of specific programs, activities and other facility elements at PEFAC. Note: The first four priorities under Goal #3 also support Goal #4. Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
11 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Goal #5: Advance and support efforts to encourage a healthy community in Prince Edward County and awareness of the benefits of physical activity for all ages and abilities Strategies To increase outreach efforts across the broad Prince Edward County community. To explore new partnerships with organizations having similar goals around encouraging a healthy Prince Edward County community. To support efforts to advocate for other programs and initiatives that support a healthy community. To keep up with trends in fitness activities so as to be able to offer programs that appeal to all age groups and abilities. Priorities for Action Strengthen the physician referral program and develop stronger relationships with the Prince Edward Family Health Team. Work with the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit in advancing the initiatives of the Healthy Communities Partnership. Explore ideas and initiatives with Prince Edward Child Care Services and with the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board to help address the growing challenge of childhood obesity. Offer more public “toe dipping” events and opportunities. Forge additional alliances with agencies/organizations with similar goals such as Come Alive Outside. (A letter from Dr. Stephen Blanchard at the end of this document clearly articulates the health benefits associated with PEFAC’s facilities and programs) “PEFAC is so important in our community because it allows our family to have fun together in a safe, friendly, welcoming environment! I love that my children and myself have the opportunity to be active in so many ways, and that we have all of these fun activities just outside our doorstep! We love PEFAC and love being part of the PEFAC family!” Mary-Ann Valiquette, Hallowell PEFAC is a valuable community asset. Young children learn to swim. Seniors maintain and improve mobility with aqua fit classes. Group fitness programs provide choices for every age and ability level. Professional trainers help members achieve physical goals. PEFAC is a vital facility. John Wilczynski, Athol Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
12 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Goal #6: Cultivate a skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate staff operating in a positive and stable work environment Strategies To develop and implement a complete human resource plan addressing all the elements necessary to foster a positive, fulfilling and safe work environment for all staff. Priorities for Action Complete a full review of all human resource issues including wages, hours of work, employee benefits and roles and responsibilities. Explore opportunities for staff training. Continue two way communications and engagement with all staff. Complete the Employee Manual. Review job descriptions. Review and as necessary revise employment agreements. Goal #7: To provide an aquatic and fitness facility that will serve the community on a long-term basis. This is a long term goal that speaks to the continuation of PEFAC as a facility offering the only pool in Prince Edward County and affordable access to a varied offer of aquatic, fitness and activity programs to all ages, abilities and income levels. PEFAC’s Board of Directors will be working on various efforts around this goal for the next several years. In the long term, the municipality needs to be in a position to meet the increasing demands of residents for health maintenance facilities including a swimming pool. PEFAC recognizes the importance of its facility in meeting that need for as long as reasonably feasible. As well, we recognize the importance of a complete aquatic and fitness facility, with professionally trained staff, to people who are moving into the County or considering the County as a place to live. It is PEFAC’s goal that we will continue to meet these needs and interests on a long term basis. Our priorities will be to: Work to obtain a long term commitment from the Lester family, owners of the building, to continue operations Explore the physical opportunities and constraints for expanding the facility Identify the capital investment that would be required and potential sources of funding. Continue to work with the municipality in attempting to fill this need now and in the long term. Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
13 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Financial Plan Capital Investment Implementing this five year business plan will require a capital investment of some $40,000 - $50,000 a year over the next five years. Table 1 provides our estimate of the annual capital investment based on the known priorities. Note however that there can be unexpected things happen that require capital expenditures and these estimates may well be adjusted based on actual circumstances. Table 1 Estimated Capital Costs: 2013 - 2017 Capital Item 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Heating & Cooling $5,000 Pool Repairs $44,000 Treadmills $20,000 Sound System $2,000 Computer Systems $10,000 Parking Lot Lighting $5,000 Outside Signage $5,000 Squash Court Floors $10,000 Front Entrance $30,000 Enlarge Group Fitness $30,000 Studio Weight Room $10,000 Equipment Water Fountains $3,000 Other ongoing $40,000 upgrades and capital maintenance TOTAL $44,000 $42,000 $45,000 $40,000 $43,000 Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
14 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Five Year Financial Forecast Table 2 provides a summary of our five year financial forecast, including both operating and capital expenditures. Table 2 Prince Edward Ftiness and Aquatic Centre Business Plan Five Year Financial Forecast (values in $000's) OPERATIONS 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 REVENUE MEMBERSHIPS $ 327 $ 333 $ 343 $ 352 $ 360 PROGRAMS & PASSES $ 168 $ 170 $ 173 $ 178 $ 182 TOTAL REVENUE $ 495 $ 503 $ 516 $ 530 $ 542 EXPENSES PROGRAM COSTS $ 169 $ 172 $ 176 $ 179 $ 183 GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE $ 170 $ 172 $ 177 $ 180 $ 184 BUILDING & EQUIPMENT MAINTANANCE $ 210 $ 214 $ 218 $ 222 $ 226 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 549 $ 558 $ 571 $ 581 $ 593 EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES (SHORTFALL) $ (54) $ (55) $ (55) $ (51) $ (51) COUNTY OF P.E.C. GRANT (NOTE) $ 60 $ 58 $ 56 $ 54 $ 52 NET FROM OPERATIONS $ 6 $ 3 $ 1 $ 3 $ 1 CAPITAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES $ 44 $ 42 $ 45 $ 40 $ 43 FUNDING SOURCES COUNTY CAPITAL GRANT $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 MEMBER FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES $ 9 $ 11 $ 12 $ 13 $ 14 OTHER GRANTS & FUND RAISING $ 15 $ 11 $ 13 $ 7 $ 9 TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES $ 44 $ 42 $ 45 $ 40 $ 43 NOTE OUR TARGET IS TO REDUCE THE NEED FOR COUNTY OPERATING SUPPORT TO $50,000 PER YEAR BY 2018 Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
15 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
16 Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre To whom it may concern, October 30, 2012 The Quinte Dolphins Swim team has been working with and training youth from all over Prince Edward County over the past 25 years and proudly considers the local pool (Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre) to be its home and training base. The team, comprising between 20 and 30 youth ranging in age from 7 to 17 years old, has been committed to teaching swimming skills, fitness and excellence in the sport, as well as promoting leadership development in these athletes. Our swimmers, over the years, have regularly represented the County at Swim Meets around the Province, as well as at Provincial and National competitions. Without the presence of the local pool facility, the team would cease to exist, along with the loss of this valuable opportunity for youth in our community. The swimmers train in the pool up to 6 days per week at the more competitive levels. Many of our swimmers also eventually join the local high school (PECI) swim team and have represented the school at the Provincial level. The ongoing presence of a local pool makes this a possibility. The board and administration of PEFAC has always been very supportive of the team and the Dolphin executive is appreciative of this. In summary, the Quinte Dolphin Swim Team is appreciative of and strongly supports and encourages the ongoing presence of a 25 metre pool in our community. It provides an invaluable opportunity for our youth to become fit and to develop lifelong swimming skills in addition to the development of higher level competitive athletes and leaders who have represented their County at various levels throughout Canada. Sincerely, Dr Anne Nancekievill President, Quinte Dolphins Swim Team Business Plan: 2013 – 2017
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