The City of Whitewater has a new commission, one that will assess the long-term future of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center (WAFC) as officials prepare for potential upgrades and investments in the facility.
The Whitewater Aquatic Center Commission has been tasked with evaluating the facility’s condition and identifying capital improvements needed to sustain and enhance the center. This comes alongside a potential capital campaign.
Located at Whitewater High School, the WAFC opened in 2001 and serves the community as a central recreational establishment for residents, offering year-round access.
“The Aquatic and Fitness Center is already an important community asset that provides year-round access to aquatic recreation, fitness opportunities and wellness programming for residents of all ages,” said Kevin Boehm, director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities.
Boehm said the facility plays a key role in attracting and retaining residents while also supporting families and contributing to the overall quality of life for those residing in Whitewater.
The creation of the commission reflects the city’s recognition of WAFC’s importance in the community and the need for coordination.
“The primary goal is to serve in an advisory capacity, providing input, feedback, perspective on operations, planning and long-term consideration for the facility,” City Manager John Weidl said.
As an advisory-only board, any final decisions to change the facility are the responsibility of the city.
In addition to city leadership, the commission includes representation from the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD), a partnership officials say is crucial given the frequent shared use of the facility. WUSD Superintendent Samuel Karns said district involvement ensures that both educational and community needs are considered.
“We are committed to working together on figuring out how the aquatic center benefits the school and the community,” Karns said.
Karns emphasized that collaboration between the city and school district allows for more effective planning and a broader community impact. With Whitewater not having a YMCA or many gymnasiums, the facility is especially valuable for students.
Karns noted that access to the Aquatic Center could help expand opportunities for swim lessons, which addresses broader safety concerns. Drowning still remains a serious issue. Having a place in the city with dependable access to swim lessons could provide critical safety skills for students in the district.
Commission members were selected in late 2025 through the city’s standard boards and committees application process which includes outreach through the city website and other public channels. WUSD’s representatives were approved in their February 2026 regular meeting.
The commission has capital funds allocated through the budgeting process, but they are holding off on assigning those funds until the commission can identify key priorities and needs of the center.
The primary concern for the WAFC is ongoing maintenance as the facility continues to age. Boehm said facilities like this require more upkeep overtime to ensure they remain safe and operational.
As discussions continue, the commission’s recommendations will help determine how the city prioritizes investments in the facility, with the goal of ensuring the WAFC as an accessible resource for many years. The first Aquatic Center Committee meeting will be March 24 and will be held in the Large Meeting Room at Whitewater High School.
