We envision a vibrant, healthy and connected Benzie community
where everyone can thrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We're glad you asked!
1
What is the BWAC?
BWAC is a community-led nonprofit working to create a year-round wellness and recreation center where Benzie County residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can gather, move, learn, and connect. It is more than just a pool- the BWAC is a chance to turn a vacant school site into a welcoming hub that strengthens public safety, supports healthier lives, and brings people together across generations.
2
Why do we need it?
The project responds to real local needs, including limited indoor recreation, swim safety gaps, senior wellness, youth programming, first-responder training, and accessible spaces for community life all year round.
3
Where will the BWAC be located?
BWAC acquired the vacated Crystal Lake Elementary School in the Village of Benzonia’s “Top of the Hill” district (at Benzie County's only stoplight) in February 2025. The address is 7048 Severance Street, Benzonia, MI 49616. This site features terrific connectivity, with walkability to Beulah and Benzonia. BWAC’s plan to revitalize its site will improve aesthetics, activate foot traffic and positively impact the community’s sense of place, creating momentum and having a positive ripple effect among its neighbors, contributing to a vibrant walkable mixed-use district. Neighbors have repeatedly voiced support for transforming existing Top of the Hill eyesores into flourishing businesses.
4
Why does the project include more than aquatics?
At the start of our project, we conducted feasibility studies and learned that building and maintaining a center with only a pool isn’t financially viable in Benzie County. Offering non-aquatic features and programs makes the project financially sustainable. In addition, a more varied and dynamic facility creates a one-stop spot for a wide range of programs and meets several goals in our county's Parks and Recreation master plan. We hope to be a host to many partners, organizations and teams in our community.
5
What will it cost to build?
Early estimates for the one-time construction costs are around $20 million for construction and our Board intends to raise another $5 million for an endowment to sustain the facility and support membership fees for members of our community with limited financial means. Construction and operating projections have been vetted with comparable regional facilities, and we aim to right-size the project for Benzie County and the available resources to be sure it will serve generations.
6
Who is paying for BWAC?
To date community members, local foundations and businesses have stepped up to provide funding for our pre-construction efforts. BWAC is working on an enhanced capital stack, or network of funding, without local tax dollars, that includes a wider range of funders at the local, regional, state and national levels, to attain our capital goal and open our doors.
7
Who will operate the facility?
This question is a good one and we’re working on it!. We’ve have seen many versions of operating a successful facility in our national aquatics research. One that inspires us is close by. The Easling Pool in Traverse City is owned by Grand Traverse County, operated by the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, and supported by the nonprofit Friends of the Easling Pool.
8
When will it be complete and open?
BWAC’s Board of Directors convened with local facilitators in the fall of 2025 to conduct a strategic planning retreat. We outlined milestones for each of our Board’s focus areas for the next 5 years and created this working timeline (link below). If we’re able to secure the financial resources needed to construct our facility in less time than shown on the timeline, then opening will be earlier than shown. If it takes longer, the opposite will occur.
9
Who will be able to use the community spaces?
BWAC’s gathering spaces (the meeting room and lobby areas, in particular) will be designed to welcome the community and provide opportunities educational, civic, community and family gatherings. Examples include hosting your book group, a child’s splash birthday party, after school clubs and more – the possibilities are almost endless!
10
Why is it taking so long to get it built?
Careful planning with our Design/Build team, partners and the community is called for as BWAC looks to maximize the buildable acreage on its site and comply with regulatory agencies such as the local health department and Village of Benzonia zoning and master plan criteria. Once we have schematic and design documents, we will have more tools in our tool kit to advance our conversations with prospective partners and donors to tackle the critical steps needed to ensure BWAC can build, operate and sustain its proposed facility.
11
How will the facility be sustained?
Operational sustainability means that programming partnerships are designed to keep our facility vibrant throughout each day. This will include assessments to evaluate what works best and how best to respond to usage and demands and adapt to emerging opportunities. Planning programs and services well in advance of building allows our facility to be designed with the user groups and usage models ahead of time. This is not a “Field of Dreams” approach of “if you build it, he will come.” It is a program it, design it and build it approach. Distributions from BWAC’s endowment will help offset long-term maintenance costs and fill early operational gaps (projected in years 1-3), to ensure the financial resources are in place to maintain financial viability.
12
How can I get involved?
Check out our "Support" and "Volunteer" pages on our website or send an email to BenzieWAC@gmail.com to start a conversation. We are looking for individuals with a passion to be communicators within their spheres and those who have professional skills to assist with our efforts. BWAC is a nonprofit with a 100% volunteer Board, standing committees and ad hoc committees. We hope you will dive in with us!