Rosen foundation assumes ownership of aquatic center

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA of Central Florida knew it had to reimagine ways to best serve the community with reduced resources.

For the nonprofit organization, part of that realization led to the transfer of the Rosen YMCA Aquatic Center — an iconic competitive-swimming facility that now lies in the hands of the man who fought to save it more than 25 years ago.

On Oct. 27, the Harris Rosen Foundation and YMCA of Central Florida jointly announced that Orange County commissioners approved the transfer of the facility from the YMCA to the Harris Rosen Foundation.

The center, located at 8422 International Drive, Orlando, now will be known as the Rosen Aquatic and Fitness Center. YMCA officials said that after 28 years of operating the aquatic center, the time was right to bestow the facility to Rosen’s foundation.

“There is no greater champion of swimming in Central Florida than Harris,” said Dan Wilcox, President and CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida. “We are thankful to the donors, volunteers, partners, staff and swimmers who have helped the Y create lifelong memories, friendships and experiences at the Rosen YMCA Aquatic Center. Mostly, we are grateful to Harris, who has yet again stepped up for the community in order to preserve and champion the benefit of swimming for Central Florida.”

The aquatic center is one of the largest indoor competitive-swimming facilities in the southeastern United States and offers an Olympic-sized pool, diving well and teaching pool. 

In 2018, the YMCA Aquatic Center was officially renamed the Rosen YMCA Aquatic Center in his honor after he led the fight against the center’s demise in 1992.

Back then, Rosen — a southwest Orlando resident — called upon celebrities, organizations and the county to help save the competitive swimming center, which had been shut down by the mortgage holder. The facility was gifted to the YMCA of Central Florida, and revenue-generating programs were enacted to help offset costs of operation.

Rosen’s team is working on finalizing details related to the transfer. His team also is working with the YMCA to set a reopening date.

As the pandemic continues, YMCA staff said they are taking a close look at each location to imagine different ways for the community and association to remain strong. 

Rosen said he and his foundation are excited to bring back both swimmers and jobs to the Rosen Aquatic and Fitness Center, which has been temporarily closed for months.

“This special place is part of the fabric of our Central Florida community,” Rosen said. “I’m grateful to the Y for their stewardship for the past nearly three decades and look forward to both honoring and advancing the great sport of swimming for generations to come.”