Shell Point Retirement Community celebrated a ribbon cutting for the LifeQuest Aquatic Center with key executives, project supporters, and residents. After the ribbon cutting, Shell Point residents enjoyed tours of the new $2 million Aquatic Center, which features a 99,000-gallon main recreation pool with two lap lanes, a zero-entry access, and shallow and deep water areas. The Aquatic Center also has a 23,000-gallon therapy pool with an easy-access ramp and an adaptable water chair for those needing assistance entering the pool. There is also a seven-person hot tub, an old-Florida style pool house, a Chickee Hut shade structure, shade sails over the pool, and lounge areas.
The 8-month project was completed by Wright Construction Group, Jackson Pools, Johnson Engineering, RDg Planning & Design, and Winter Interiors. The LifeQuest Aquatic Center replaces the original Island pool, which was constructed in 1968.
Shell Point Wellness Staff members were on hand to talk with residents about the fitness class schedule, including popular water exercise classes and new specialty aquatic classes.
Residents also attended a special afternoon presentation about preventing, reversing, or controlling chronic disease through aquatic exercise. Dr. Bruce Becker, an internationally-recognized expert in the field of aquatic exercise, explained how it can be a remarkably effective tool for battling high blood pressure, obesity, insulin resistance, and other chronic illnesses. His presentation was filled with information about the many physical benefits of exercising in the water, including positive effects on the brain, respiratory system, and other internal organs.
For more than 30 years, Dr. Becker has researched the positive effects that aquatic exercise can have on the human body. A clinical professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington, Dr. Becker is an adjunct research professor at Washington State University, where he directs the National Aquatic and Sports Medicine Institute. He has researched, written, and lectured extensively in the field of aquatic exercise for more than 30 years and is a frequent speaker at the World Aquatic Health Conference.
“The LifeQuest Aquatic Center represents the power of our joint efforts to make this project a reality,” said Shell Point President Peter Dys. “This project would not be possible without Shell Point residents’ generous endorsement and support for growth and change. Today, we celebrate our success.”
LifeQuest is Shell Point’s balanced approach to wellness that emphasizes Six Dimensions of Wellness: Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Community/Social, Educational, and Natural Environment. The LifeQuest Aquatic Center is the newest key community amenity that embodies the active lifestyle and fuels mind, body, and spirit. Residents throughout all levels of care can benefit from the versatility of the LifeQuest Aquatic Center—without any barriers regarding age or physical condition—and refresh, rejuvenate, or recover as they benefit from water’s role in their own health and well-being.
Shell Point Retirement Community is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers just off Summerlin Road and McGregor Boulevard, two miles before the Sanibel causeway. A nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry, the community offers retirement living in a resort-style environment with a newly renovated 18-hole championship golf course that is open to the public, deep water boating access with free boat dockage, and recreational and fitness facilities. To learn more about Shell Point, please visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
