Purpose
Dreams The youth of every generation have dreams in many different ways: by becoming a star athlete, those that win scholarships or the next business tycoon just to name a few. For the athletes of baseball, basketball, hockey, gymnastics, and football, the facilities are readily available to help them achieve their dreams.
The Aquatic dreams of Mark Spitz were realized in 1972 with seven gold medals, 36 years later Michael Phelps achieving his dream of 8 Olympic Gold.
The Greater Grand Rapids Area has consistently come up short for the aquatic athlete. Last year Godwin Public Schools closed their pool, this occurred two years after passing a tax to renovate the pool. In June of 2003 the Kentwood Public School started renovation of their pool, completed the renovations in August 2005, and this year the Forest Hill system is renovating their pool.
Each time these renovations occur the swimming athletes suffer for lack of adequate facilities to use. When it comes to water to swim in, it is not as simple as switching to another football field or basketball court, the current pools not under renovation do not have the space for training or the seating for multiple competitive teams. The dreams of aquatic athletes are difficult to achieve with limited facilities to participate in.
1) The Greater Grand Rapids area has approximately 24 schools and fitness centers with pools. 16 of these 24 facilities include spectator seating with an average of 400 seats each; the largest with 1,000 and the smallest 75. The Michigan Athletic Association requires state-sponsored meets to have seating for 1,500 spectators and deck seating of 600 for athletes. There is no facility in the state that meets the Michigan Athletic Association requirements, even the prestigious University of Michigan swimming facility. Currently 500 spectators are being turned away from each state meet. Aquatic Champions’ facility will have a minimum of 2,800 spectator seats and 1,800 deck seats, which would bring Michigan’s State Boys & Girls swimming meets to Grand Rapids.
2) Aquatic Champions’ facility will meet Olympic and World Class Standards, giving us the largest competition pool in the state. This will allow for 4 different pool configurations (the only one in Michigan) – 25 yards, 50 yards, 25 meters and 50 meters. The pool can be configured to accommodate two full water polo games to be played at the same time (the only one in Michigan). Its pool depth also allows for Synchronized Swimming and Platform Diving (5 meter, 7.5 meter and 10 meter).
3) Community Impact (see attachment): benefits for lodging, entertainment, schools, and colleges.
4) Programs: Special Olympics Swimming, Swimming Boys/Girls, Masters Swimming Men/Women, Springboard Diving Boys/Girls, Synchronized Spring-board Diving Boys/Girls, Platform Diving, Synchronized Platform Diving, Water Polo, Synchronized Swimming, Triathlon Training, Basketball, Volleyball, CPR/First Aid Training, Fitness Training, and Weight Training.
We are looking for your help to build this facility.
We have formed a charity so that by working as a community, we can build “The Dream†and over the next months, you will see the fund drives to make this facility become a reality. Help us please.
Here are the several Fund Drives that are under way to make “The Dream†a reality; the Champaign starts with you and your donations!
Land The Dream– Land Fund Drive
To raise the funds necessary to purchase the 30 acres needed for the building facility and parking lots. With an estimated cost of $1,800,000 ($1.8 million), you can help with a donation for $2.00 per square foot or $18.00 per square yard
Build The Dream! - Block & Mortar Fund Drive
This drive is for the construction of the building. . Donations for $35.00 per block will not only purchase the 200,000 blocks and 20,000 bags of mortar needed, but will also provide for the building foundation, heating & cooling system, locker rooms, and interior lighting
Pave the Way/Reach the Dream – Paver Fund Drive
By donating to the “Pave the Way†fund you will help with the entrance walkway requiring over 16,000 pavers. These funds will also provide for the parking lots, landscape, and exterior lighting. Donations of $85.00 to $115.00 will secure your message on a paver
Equip the Dream – Equipment Fund Drive
The pool. This is what the Dream is all about. This drive is for the funds to build the pool and to provide it with equipment to run competitive events
See the Dream – Bleacher/Seating Fund Drive
Seating to view the events is what this fund drive is for. Over 4000 fix seats and over 1800 portable seating is needed. Help to “See the Dream†by donating $100.00 for a seat
Remember the Dream- Tile Fund Drive
Donations to a tile for remembering athletes – swimmers, divers, so on. A wall of honor that will help celebrate these athletes. Donations of $250.00 per tile will help fund the ongoing maintenance of the facility
Facility Plans
Largest competition pool in west Michigan.
70Meter by 25Meters
Seating capacity of 4000+Fixed and 1800 Deck seating
Depth down to 18ft
MORE
Take your mark, Get set, GO!
We need your help to provide this great facility to West Michigan.
Swimming, diving (spring board and platform), water polo, water aerobics, life guarding. You decide what you would like to learn and/or compete in and we have the facility and staff to provide it. 
