The Munroe-Meyer Institute’s new pool has opened a sea of possibilities for the institute’s aquatics programming.
In the move to its new building, the institute gained a new 2,700-square-foot, double-basin, indoor pool and splash park — a major upgrade over the much smaller pool that MMI had at its previous facility.
Now MMI’s clients and their families are enjoying the benefits.
Nicole Giron, director of recreational therapy for the Munroe-Meyer Institute, said the institute has started offering Monday night swim lessons, in addition to its flagship Camp Munroe children and teen programs, and Tuesday and Thursday night adult therapeutic swim programs.
"We are so fortunate to be able to have a facility that offers aquatic therapy," Giron said. "That is something that really sets us apart as a program for the people we serve."
In addition to a therapeutic basin, the indoor pool offers a lap pool — allowing for a combination of therapy sessions and fitness activities, such as swimming lessons, to operate at the same time. Along with transfer equipment to get people into the pool, the new facility has a waterslide, volleyball net and poolside basketball hoop.
Giron said the pool has a particular benefit for people who have cerebral palsy.
The water provides buoyancy, which allows staff to get people out of their wheelchairs, and it also provides a gentle resistance for muscle movement and a massaging effect. In all, Giron said, the water goes a long way toward alleviating stress and tension by loosening muscles and joints.
She called the therapy "incredibly restorative."
Giron said it’s a privilege to provide programming for the space — and to support the participants and their families.
Something Giron has noticed: The joy on people’s faces as they swim and look up and see the artistically designed sound baffles installed above the pool.
"They can engage in the space because it was built for them — it's theirs. We just get to be the stewards of it. But it's their space. And I can only imagine for the families to know that they are cared for and thought of and that their needs are our number one priority.
"That's what drives us every day."