University Of Memphis: UofM Holds Groundbreaking For Mike Rose Aquatics Center

Press release from the University of Memphis:

May 27, 2021

The Rose Family Foundation partnered with the UofM to renovate the facility that is
used by Memphis Tiger Swimming, Splash Mid-South and the UofM community.

Drowning is a leading cause of death among children ages 1-4. African American children
ages 5-19 drown in pools at a rate 5.5 times higher than that of white children. Since
the closing of the YMCA on Walker Avenue in 2011, there have been few options available
in the University area for swim lessons and drowning prevention training. In addition,
Memphis does not have a swimming facility that can accommodate swimming and diving
competitions.

"Prior to his passing, I spoke with Mike Rose about his desire to have a natatorium
that truly meets the needs of our community," said UofM President M. David Rudd. "I
have been committed to achieving this goal of Mike’s. I am very excited that The Rose
Family Foundation has made it their mission to work with key organizations in Memphis
to make Mike's vision a reality. Today’s groundbreaking is a great day in fulfilling
Mike’s vision.”

The pool will be named for the late Rose, a successful businessman and philanthropist.

"The renovated natatorium will prove a wonderful complement to the new Center for
Wellness and Fitness, which will offer recreational swimming among other health and
fitness that are integrated into the University's core academic mission," added Rudd.

"Created to enrich the community through increased opportunity in education, health
and the pursuits of happiness, The Rose Foundation is eager to see the natatorium
serve as a center for children's water safety and enrich the lives of underserved
youth in our community," said Gabrielle Rose, executive director of The Rose Foundation.
"Mike Rose was also a longtime supporter of UofM athletics and Memphis Tiger Swimming
because of his belief in sports' ability to shape character and develop leaders. The
Rose Foundation is proud to stand behind this project and work on behalf of making
my father’s last philanthropic wish for Memphis a reality.

“We are so moved that so many people saw the vision and stepped forward out of caring,
out of love and out of believing in this City to be a part of this. So, I am so grateful
honored and humbled to be a part of what is really a team effort.

“There are so many kids in Memphis who will not have the opportunity to swim, and
that is historic reasons, social reasons. This facility and what Splash Mid-South
has already done will allow us to put swimming and the importance of water safety,
drowning prevention, to really highlight the importance of that. So, it is going to
be about education and engaging the community.”

Among the project's goals are providing free or low-cost swim lessons to 300 underprivileged
children, led by Splash Mid-South; introducing swimming to low-income and minority
youth to improve the diversity of Memphis Tiger Swimming; offering free CPR classes
to UofM students so they can share their skills with the community; generating revenue
for the local economy from visitors who attend swimming competitions; and enhancing
community relationships through research on drowning prevention.

“It is a dream come true just because we know what the future has in store for us,”
said Anthony Norris, co-founder, Splash Mid-South/chief development officer, YMCA
of Memphis & the Mid-South. “We have impacted so many lives over the past decade,
but without this great facility, it could all come to a screeching halt. So, not only
will we be able to keep this great pool, but it will be a state-of-the-art aquatics
center, and it will be a magnet for special events to draw people from all over the
country, but most importantly, thousands of children and families will learn to swim
and their lives will not be the same afterwards.”

Planned renovations include increasing the pool length, improved mechanical and water
handling systems, handicap access and expanded seating. The increased seating will
make the facility appropriate for training and for regional swimming competitions.
Renovations are expected to take about 18 months to complete.

This press release was produced by the University of Memphis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.