SEBRING — Ashley Weldy is excited this year that she will be able to train for the Heartland Triathlon without swimming with alligators in Lake Jackson. "I can't wait for the pool to open," Weldy said as she worked out Thursday at the Highlands County Family YMCA. "It will be so convenient to have a pool right here." Construction is on target for the Capt. Justin K. Ward Aquatic Center to open by the end of January. The $1.2 million center, largely funded by a donation from Sebring native Jennifer Boardman, formerly Leidel, will feature a 10-lane lap pool, a warm-water exercise pool and a splash pad area for kids to play in water features. Most of the pool construction is complete, and the filtration system and pipes have been installed. Greg Smith, physical director of the YMCA, said the next step, pouring the pool deck will likely happen in the next two weeks. ...more

December 28, 2007

Never before has a hole in the ground been so widely anticipated, and no one gets more credit for that happening than a young lady whose donation perhaps makes it possible. When the Highlands County Family YMCA pool gets build, it will be called the Capt. Justin K. Ward Aquatic Center. Many will not know that Justin K. Ward was an Army captain killed in a car accident but his memory will live each time someone takes a dip in the pool or learns how to swim. ...more

October 2, 2007

SEBRING — Not only did Jennifer Boardman's large donation to the Highlands County Family YMCA make the first big splash in their fundraising campaign, she plans to make the first real splash in the pool. ...more

September 18, 2007