Project Impacts
A Nexus for Wellness
Swimming offers a multifaceted platform for children, not only enhancing their physical and mental abilities, but also significantly contributing to their social and emotional development.
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“Swimming is critical to supporting safe, healthy, and resilient youth in Jefferson Parish and we need to elevate the Regional Aquatics center as a priority and investment in our future.”
-Troy Carter, US Representative, Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District
(pending quote approval)
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Mental Health
Mental health is critically important to everyone, everywhere. However, a study released by JAMA in October of 2024 reported that the issue of mental health, particularly among youth, is a worsening problem; from 2017 to 2021 the prevalence of depression diagnosis in youths increased 60.0% and the prevalence of anxiety diagnosis increased by 31.1%.
2
Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity has also made a dramatic rise over the past three decades according to the WHO, with the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years significantly increasing from 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022. As of 2024, 1 in 5 children and adolescents have obesity.
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Developmental Milestones
Research has shown that swimming provides multiple other mental and social benefits as well. Researchers from the Griffith Institute for Educational Research found that children who learn how to swim at a young age are reaching many developmental milestones earlier than the norm. As well as achieving physical milestones faster, children also scored significantly better in visual-motor skills and many mathematically-related tasks.
4
Social Skill Development
Swimming pools can provide a platform for children to engage in teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, and build friendships. Additionally, swimming can act as a catalyst for building self-esteem and confidence in children. Progressing in swimming and achieving personal milestones can significantly boost a child’s confidence. Swimming offers a safe space for children to face and conquer challenges, fostering resilience and self-assurance.
An Economic Engine
The Aquatics Center will open opportunities to host national, regional and local events. It will serve as a resource for schools and provide a home for swim teams to train and compete. Residents of Jefferson Parish will find a safe, welcoming environment to swim, exercise, and connect with friends.
Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
“We need a state-of-the-art competition aquatics center to not only serve the community but bring regional and national events here. The Sports Foundation looks forward to working with the leadership of Jefferson Parish and the YMCA on this important project.”
Jay Cicero, President and CEO, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau
“In 2021 visitors spent $1.5 billion in Jefferson Parish. The aquatics center will serve our community 7 days per week, 16 hours per day and will generate additional revenue and benefits to surrounding businesses.”
Violet Peters, CDME , CEO and President, Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jefferson Parish Economic Development Corporation
Pending Quote