The donor recognition wall to be designed by Bonnie Cohen is probably one of the most prominent features that will decorate our new indoor pool facility. Inspired by her experience as a swim team parent, it features inspirational quotes such as “Don’t count the laps, make the laps count,” “Swim now, breath later,” and “Home is where the pool is.” Kathy Salem, co-chair of Make a Splash! Committee, unveiled the tile wall art at the official pool construction launch gathering that took place on April 7. “Making a donor recognition wall was important for me for two reasons,” says Salem. “First, it brings a meaningful artistic expression to an otherwise pretty generic space. More importantly, it’s a way to unite the entire community of donors because tiles are going from $100 to $50,000. You see, it’s really about getting as many people involved and making a ‘splash!’ We want everybody’s names there."Salem, who refers to herself as the “infamous tile person,” led the unique tile project that decorates the Shaw JCC lobby and raised more than $60K for the JCC back in the 2000s. “I did not do this alone – I had my best supporting team: Bonnie Cohen and Janice Woll. I couldn’t be more fortunate that both of them have agreed to join forces again for the Make a Splash! project for the indoor pool.” Tiles are available for purchase at www.shawjcc.org/pool and at the JCC’s front desk. 

With the demolition of the old indoor pool structure well underway, it’s time to highlight the new and improved features that we’re going to see this fall at the re-opening of the Shaw JCC’s new indoor aquatics facility. Indoor pool area 
•     Brighter colors
•     More lighting and windows 
•     Non-skid tiles 
•     New pool liner
•     More usable pool space for group exercise 
•     Co-ed whirlpool on pool deck
•     New bleachers 
•     New ADA-compliant lift
•     Bonnie Cohen’s tile design on the rear wall of the indoor pool Showers and lockers area
•     New women’s sauna 
•     New men’s steam room unit
•     Upgraded lavatories, countertops and new mirrors
•     ADA-accessible showers
•     New tiles, carpeting, paint, and wall coverings throughout
•     New seating and lighting