Still Moving Forward: Why the Cady Way Pool Matters More Than Ever
I'm not going to lie… IT’S BEEN A LONG ROAD!
For nearly two years, we’ve been working toward the new aquatic complex at Cady Way. And I’ll admit it: sometimes it feels like we’re treading water. 👀
My wife Bess and I, along with our amazing Foundation board, have poured an enormous part of ourselves into this project. We’ve sat through numerous Parks & Recreation meetings and City Commission meetings. We’ve worked with architects, engineers, city planners and government agencies. We’ve raised money, revised plans, answered questions, cleared one hurdle — and then discovered the next one waiting.
Right now, we’re waiting on permits. And I worry that from the outside, it can look like nothing is happening.
But I want you to know: we are moving forward.
💪 THERE HAS BEEN REAL PROGRESS
This year brought us closer than ever to breaking ground on the pool. And one-third of our Cady Way revitalization project is already complete: the three new beach volleyball courts are finished and being used.
At the same time, the Blue Dolfins Foundation has already gotten started doing the real work that matters” drowning prevention and water safety education.
This summer, we held our Drowning Prevention Week, provided free swim lessons, and spoke to community groups about water safety and drowning prevention. We also welcomed five-time Olympian and current World Record Holder Alia Atkinson to our Foundation, bringing her extraordinary experience and passion for expanding access to swimming to our mission.
👉 We are already doing the work, but a new pool will allow us to do so much more.
❤️🩹 THIS IS PERSONAL FOR US
For Bess and me, and for the members of our board, this has become much more than a construction project or a fundraising campaign.
We know what is at stake.
By late July, 19 children had already lost their lives to accidental drowning across Central Florida this year. And according to Orlando Health, for every child who dies from drowning, another eight are treated in emergency rooms and survive — some facing serious, lifelong consequences.
When you spend your life around children and water, those aren't just statistics. They hit very close to home. 😞
After more than three decades of coaching, I know what happens when children are given access to water, good instruction and the opportunity to become confident swimmers. And all of us involved with the Foundation have our own reasons for wanting to see more children in our community given that opportunity.
🐬 YES, THIS WILL BE HOME TO THE BLUE DOLFINS — BUT IT IS SO MUCH MORE
For our swimmers and alumni, I know how exciting it is to imagine a home where the Blue Dolfins can train, host meets, chase goals and build the friendships and memories that have defined this team for generations.
Today, our swimmers include athletes like U.S. National Junior Team member Denzo Senekal, who is ranked first in the nation, and USA Down Syndrome Swimming Team member Lauren Bergquist, who will soon represent our country at the World Championships. Their accomplishments remind us just how far a swimmer can go when given the opportunity, coaching and a place to grow.
I can't wait to see what future generations of Blue Dolfins will accomplish in a pool they can truly call home.
👉 But this pool was never meant to be just for us.
We envision a community facility filled with children learning to swim, adults learning for the first time, families enjoying the water, lap swimmers staying healthy, lifeguards being certified, first responders training, athletes with disabilities competing, summer campers playing — and Blue Dolfins swimmers chasing dreams of their own.
Because ultimately, we aren't just building a pool. We're building a place where our community can learn to be safe around water, and where every swimmer has the opportunity to discover just how far the water can take them.
‼️ WHATEVER HAPPENS WITH AMENDMENT 3, WE ARE MOVING FORWARD
There is understandable uncertainty surrounding Amendment 3 this November. But whatever happens at the ballot box, our project still plans on moving forward.
City leaders have discussed reduced community pool hours and other service reductions as possible responses if Amendment 3 passes. If access to supervised community swimming becomes more limited, that doesn't make our mission less important.
👉 It makes teaching children to swim even more important.
💙 PLEASE STAY WITH US
As we head toward the holidays, attention naturally turns to family, travel and celebrations. And after nearly two years of hearing about this project, it would be easy to assume someone else will carry it across the finish line.
‼️ We need you to stay with us.
Bess and I are still here. Our board is still here. Our coaches, swimmers, families and supporters are still here. And we are closer than we have ever been.
✅ The volleyball courts are complete.
✅ The pool continues moving through the permitting process.
✅ Our drowning-prevention programs are reaching families now.
We're tired sometimes... I won't pretend otherwise.
But we haven't lost sight of why we started. And I hope you haven't either.
Thank you for believing in this project, in the Blue Dolfins Foundation, and in the idea that every child in our community deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim.
With gratitude,
Joe Auer
Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation
P.S. With the holidays on the horizon (can you believe Christmas decor is already in stores?!) we have our annual Christmas Tree drive ready for you to order your trees, wreaths, and poinsettias, all of which benefit the Foundation.