Hammerhead Aquatics invites you to join us in honoring June Krauser, Mother of Masters Swimming. Many younger Masters swimmers today do not realize that for the first three or four years of USMS’s existence, when it was not yet clear whether the organization or the sport would survive, let alone prosper and flourish, June was the glue that held it -- held us --together. As if she didn’t have enough to do, running events while competing in them, she also served as editor and publisher of Swim-Master, the first Masters publication.
June’s own Masters swimming career was legendary; spanning nearly 50 years, she won 65 short course and 71 long course championship titles. For these achievements she was honored by her election to the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame in 2008. June dedicated much of her life to helping people improve their well-being through swimming. Sadly, June passed away in 2014. What better way to honor her legacy than to create the June Krauser Aquatic Center in her long-time home of Wilton Manors, Florida.
In order to meet the needs of the South Florida swimming community for a covered 50 meter pool and a fitness and therapy destination, Hammerhead Aquatics is undertaking the creation of an indoor 50- meter swimming pool and therapy pool. With an indoor training area, lockers, small café, food prep, kitchen facility, event space and outdoor patio, the envisioned June Krauser Aquatic Center will create a destination like no other in South Florida in June’s long time home of Wilton Manors.
It is with the tenacity and dedication that exemplifies June Krauser, that John Grzeszczak, Coach of Hammerhead Aquatics, has started a development campaign to help raise funds for the project. After a 2 year re-zoning and permitting process with the City of Wilton Manors and Broward County, work has started on the building. The expected opening date is August 2023. When fully operational the Aquatic Center will serve as many as 500 people in the local community every day.
In addition to an age group swimming team, a Masters swimming team, and an estimated 150 fitness swimmers every day, physical therapy will be available 10 hours per day. The complex will a center for wellness in the community and your message or logo can reach hundreds of fitness minded people every day. The economic impact to the area will relate to millions of dollars each year, in retail, restaurants, hotel nights, and medical services.