Pool Your Pennies is a collaborative effort to build an accessible aquatic center and fund aquatic programs for children and adults with disabilities.  The aquatic center will be located at The Arc of San Antonio’s northwest facility, the Pam Stephens Center at 6530 Wurzbach Rd.  Down Syndrome Association, TEAMability, Kinetic Kids, Eva’s Heroes, CAMP and Respite Care of San Antonio have partnered with The Arc to raise money for this special project.  Once completed, the accessible swimming pool will provide local nonprofits a facility for therapeutic aquatic programs and recreational water activities benefitting people with disabilities and their families.  Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn more about the accessible aquatic center and why it is important to our community.

How can you help?  Sponsor a pool tile for your family, business, or in honor or memory of someone with a disability.  Donate now or create your own fundraising page to get help from your friends and family.  If you have questions or need assistance with your fundraising page, just fill out and submit the form below.  Be sure and include the name of one of our partnering nonprofits under "Designation" if you would like 25% of your donation to go toward their aquatic programs. Our partners are listed at the top left of this page.

Our goal is to raise $200,000 to renovate the pool, make the outdoor restrooms accessible, install a solar heating system and provide operating funds for aquatic programs.  Together we can raise these funds by December 1, 2010 so the pool can be open for aquatic programs by June 1, 2011.

Click here to see a sample tile.

Why does San Antonio need an accessible aquatic center for people with disabilities?

Aquatic therapy and recreation provide multiple benefits for people with disabilities.  Water provides buoyancy and resistance that can improve circulation, strength and endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination, range of motion and muscle tone.  For children with developmental disabilities, aquatic activities also help improve sensory integration and cognitive skills.   Just as important as the physical benefits, water-based activities allow children and adults with developmental disabilities to socialize and have fun with their peers.

To convert the existing structure into an accessible swimming pool that accommodates the needs of children with disabilities and their families, The Arc must: 1) remodel the depth of the pool to a maximum of 4'; 2) sandblast and replaster interior of the pool; 3) replace interior tile 4) install all new pool equipment and drains; 5) resurface decking; 6) landscape pool area for drainage; 7) install additional safety fencing; 8) add beach entry, water railings and corner seating; 9) install wheelchair lift; 10) remodel outdoor restrooms for wheelchair access; and 11) install a solar panel heating system.

Our goal is to raise these funds by November 1, 2010 so that the pool is open for aquatic programs by June 1, 2011.