Wendell Foster unveiled its new Aquatic Center on August 26, 2025. The Aquatic Center, located in the Latham Outpatient Therapy Facility, features slip-resistant tiles, accessible restrooms, and a zero-entry pool with various areas to receive therapy, including stairs and multiple depths.
The nonprofit has offered aquatic therapy since its early beginnings in 1947. Aquatic therapy is a form of physical therapy that offers many benefits to people with disabilities, including muscle relaxation, pain management, and mental health benefits, such as emotional regulation and confidence building. The buoyancy of the water provides increased range of motion to individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other disorders. The center will serve Wendell Foster clients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. A physical therapy referral is required to receive the service.
The organization’s previous aquatic center was located in its Green Outpatient Therapy Facility. Wendell Foster CEO Doug Hoyt said that maintenance issues due to the age of the facility caused the pool to be inoperable. “Our new aquatic center is state-of-the-art, and has features that weren’t present in our previous pool, including depths that are better suited for the needs of our clients and the use of salt water instead of chlorine.”
Hoyt said fundraising for the $700,000 project began nearly three years ago. Along with funds from private donors, the Kentucky General Assembly provided Wendell Foster with a one-time appropriation of $450,000 through House Bill 1 to construct the center. At the unveiling, Hoyt thanked State Representatives DJ Johnson and Suzanne Miles for their work in securing the funding, with a special thanks to Senator Gary Boswell. “We would not be here today if it weren’t for our legislators who supported us, and I especially want to thank Senator Gary Boswell for carrying that banner and helping make this a reality,” said Hoyt.
Ronald and Peggy Graul’s two children, twins Megan and Andrew, have been residents at Wendell Foster for over 40 years. The Grauls said Wendell Foster has been instrumental in providing therapies and life enriching experiences for the twins, who were diagnosed with cerebral palsy soon after birth. “Wendell Foster has opened up a whole new world for Megan and Andrew. They receive therapies that we couldn’t provide them in a home setting,” explained Peggy. “They’ve been able to fly on airplanes for vacations, experience outdoor activities, and most importantly, they are happy.” Ronald agreed, adding, “Wendell Foster is Owensboro’s best kept secret. I don’t know of any other facility like Wendell Foster in the country, and the aquatic center just adds another dimension to the services our children get to experience.”
“We are continuing the tradition of aquatic therapy and writing a new chapter in Wendell Foster’s history,” said Hoyt. “This aquatic center will transform the lives of those we serve, and from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank each person who donated to this project and believed in us.”
Wendell Foster invites the community to schedule a tour of the campus and the new Aquatic Center. To schedule a tour, please call 270-683-4517 or email Kara Howard, [email protected].
Photo Gallery: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
