Press Release: Orlando Health Leads Transformation of Cady Way Pool, Enhancing Community Connection and Wellness
Winter Park, FL – February 10, 2025 – The Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Winter Park, is proud to announce Orlando Health as the presenting sponsor for the highly anticipated renovation of the iconic Cady Way Pool and its surrounding recreational area.
The addition of Orlando Health’s support marks a significant milestone in the project, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of community health, wellness, and recreation. The revitalized park is a step forward in creating a top notch facility for Winter Park residents to enjoy for generations to come.
With this generous partnership, the renovation will introduce a new 50-meter competition pool, to be known as the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Pool. In addition, three NCAA/FHSAA competition-level beach volleyball courts, and revitalized green spaces—all while preserving the facility’s historic charm. Additionally, modern upgrades to the pool and locker rooms will ensure the facility remains a vital resource for families, athletes, and residents for generations to come.
“Partnering with Orlando Health as our main sponsor underscores our shared commitment to health, safety, and the well-being of the Winter Park community,” said Joe Auer, president of the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation. “This partnership will allow us to bring a state-of-the-art aquatic center and beach volleyball facility to life, providing unmatched opportunities for residents to learn water safety, stay active, and connect with one another.”
The current Cady Way Pool holds a storied history, having hosted world-class athletes, including Catie Ball’s 1966 world-record-breaking performance in the 100m breaststroke and 1996 Olympian Jilen Siroky, a former Blue Dolfin. Today, it proudly continues this legacy as the training ground for Lauren Bergquist, a six-time American record holder and international Team USA swimmer for Down Syndrome Swimming.
Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities it serves. This sponsorship highlights its dedication to supporting initiatives that improve community wellness and safety, and encourage active lifestyles across all ages..
“Orlando Health is proud to support the revitalization of Cady Way Pool,” said Ultima Espino, senior director of sports partnerships at Orlando Health. “This facility plays a vital role in drowning prevention, fitness, and family recreation— initiatives that make a positive impact in the community. ”
Currently serving more than 200 families daily, Cady Way Pool offers more than just competitive swimming. Programs include swim lessons for all ages, Special Olympics training, CPR and water safety certifications, police department training, and summer camps, making it an essential community resource. With drowning remaining the leading cause of death for children under age four, the renovated facility will play a critical role in water safety education.
“This project represents a huge step forward for our city,” said Jason Seeley, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Winter Park. “With the incredible support from Orlando Health and the partnership with the Blue Dolfins Foundation, the new Cady Way Pool will offer unmatched amenities that promote health, fitness, and safety while fostering community pride.”
Once complete, the renovated Cady Way Pool and beach volleyball complex will join Winter Park’s roster of premier athletic facilities, offering residents and visitors an exciting destination for recreation and competitive sports.
See Concept Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_e7jD2bD5B7qnjHo86-DdhiyOuILOGmn?usp=sharing
About Orlando Health
Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $12 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $1.7 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 23, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter.)
About the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation
A Winter Park swimming tradition since 1972, the Blue Dolfins Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, promotes health and wellness through swim instruction, summer camps, and facility improvements. The foundation is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and water safety, supporting programs that benefit swimmers of all abilities, while offering scholarships for athletes pursuing higher education.
Learn more: https://www.bluedolfinsfoundation.org