The Forest Park Aquatic Center in Noblesville and Ivy Tech Hamilton County have begun an innovative partnership aimed at empowering students and fostering community engagement.
Through this collaboration, both organizations are set to offer a wide array of opportunities spanning internships, co-marketing initiatives, career advancement avenues, educational workshops, scholarships, discounted memberships, and volunteer engagements.
The Forest Park Aquatic Center and Ivy Tech will join forces to provide internship opportunities to Ivy Tech students in fields such as management, human services, and information technology. With a structured program designed to deliver meaningful learning experiences, interns will gain valuable insights into their chosen fields.
The first intern, Mackenzie Nigh, will launch her work and learn experience in this summer.
The Forest Park Aquatic Center will collaborate with Ivy Tech to post job openings on Ivy Tech’s student hiring platform, Hire Ivy. Ivy Tech, in turn, will facilitate participation in career fairs, enhancing avenues for professional growth and development. A special career fair day for the Forest Park Aquatic Center will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2.
Through a collaborative effort, the Forest Park Aquatic Center and Ivy Tech will offer CPR training workshops conducted by certified instructors at Forest Park’s facilities. Ivy Tech will offer crosswalk credit where programmatically applicable for completing the training.
The Forest Park Aquatic Center will extend scholarships to Ivy Tech students through two avenues: traditional scholarships determined collaboratively with Ivy Tech, or scholarships directly awarded by the Forest Park Aquatic Center’s Board of Directors. These scholarships aim to support students based on various criteria, fostering academic excellence and opportunity.
Recognizing the importance of physical well-being and community engagement, the Forest Park Aquatic Center and Ivy Tech will establish a discounted membership program. This initiative offers Ivy Tech students, staff, and faculty access to the Forest Park Aquatic Center at reduced rates, promoting holistic wellness and a sense of belonging.
The Forest Park Aquatic Center will provide volunteering or service-learning opportunities for Ivy Tech students, faculty, and staff, enabling active participation in community service initiatives and fostering a spirit of giving back.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing educational opportunities, community engagement, and professional development. The people of the Forest Park Aquatic Center and Ivy Tech Hamilton County are excited to embark on this journey together, committed to shaping a brighter future for all.
“For Ivy Tech Hamilton County, this partnership was very natural as we both have missions rooted in serving our community,” Ivy Tech Hamilton County Chancellor Dr. Rachel Kartz said. “Forest Park Aquatic Center is an essential space for gathering and wellness in addition to a favorite pastime for many generations. I look forward to growing this partnership and together supporting our students and community.”
Forest Park Board President Greg Conner shared Kartz’s sentiment.
“This unique and creative partnership between Ivy Tech Hamilton County and the Forest Park Aquatic Center is something that will benefit the entire community,” Conner said. “Higher education and practical, hands-on experience are vital to success of future generations. We look forward to working with Ivy Tech Hamilton County on the many initiatives and opportunities that have been identified.”
About Friends of Central Pool
The Forest Park Aquatic Center is a premier recreational and competition facility located in Noblesville’s historic Forest Park. Opened in 1931, the facility is one of the oldest in the country. Amenities include an Olympic-sized (50 meters by 25 yards) competition swimming pool, a world-class diving pool complete with one- and three-meter springboards as well as five-, seven- and 10-meter platforms. A splash pad and zero-entry toddler pool offer fun for the whole family. One of the facility’s most recognizable attractions is its waterslide, commonly referred to as “Fast Freddy.”
Many organizations call the Forest Park Aquatic Center home. These included the Noblesville Swim Club, the Noblesville Adult Swim Team, the Indianapolis Water Polo Team, RipFest Diving Academy, Noblesville Learn To Swim, in addition to many other community groups and organizations. Olympic gold medalist David Boudia learned to dive at the Forest Park Aquatic Center, and it is estimated that over 100,000 people through the years have learned to swim at the facility.
The Forest Park Aquatic Center has been operated by the not-for-profit group “The Friends of Central Pool” since 1997. This group works tirelessly to ensure this world class facility continues to serve the citizens of Noblesville and the surrounding area.
About Ivy Tech Hamilton County
Ivy Tech Hamilton County is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education, empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals while making a positive impact within their communities.