In June 2022, Parkway School District, which operates Parkway Swim Club, expressed interest in engaging in discussions about a combined swim club. Around the same time, changes at Rockwood Swim Club had created a need for future planning within that program. As a result, the districts agreed to begin a process to discuss a collective future for the swim clubs.

The districts believe there could be an opportunity to build upon the storied success of both clubs and provide an enhanced experience for swimmers while creating a premier program in St. Louis, the Ozark Region (LSC) and nationally within USA Swimming. 

There are many great things currently happening within both clubs, and the goal would be to bring these forward in a combined program while adding in new opportunities for swimmers. While the discussions will reveal how a combined club would ultimately look, benefits could include:

• A larger coaching staff with a variety of knowledge and experience working together to share best practices
• Additional opportunities for swimmers to receive coaching support, regardless of their swimming ability or performance level
• Additional practice locations/times allowing families to choose the schedule that best fits their needs
• A stronger overall financial position for the long-term, which could help with coach attraction/retention. In addition, strong financials could increase the ability to sustain potential disruptions in operations in the future that may be caused by outside forces
• A higher club profile nationally, which could benefit swimmers who desire to swim at the college level

Here is an overview of the current timeline:

• Swim Clubs: Both Rockwood and Parkway Swim Clubs will continue to operate as separate programs during the 2022-23 swim season. Discussions will begin in August and continue over the next year. At this time, the timeline would be to move forward with a combined program for the 2023-24 season. The timeline would be subject to change if the need to do so is identified.
• Learn-to-swim programs: The two learn-to-swim programs (Parkway Swim School and SwimAmerica) would be combined on a timeline that is determined during discussions and could be prior to the 2023-24 season.

Discussions are scheduled to begin in August and continue over the next year. The extensive knowledge of both clubs' coaching staff is valued and they will be an integral part of the discussions.

Updated on 9/16/22: The first meeting, which included full-time coaches from Parkway Swim Club and Rockwood Swim Club, was held on Sept. 13, 2022. This meeting provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about one another, gain a common understanding of the purpose of the group’s work and talk about the process that will be used in meetings going forward.This group will continue to meet twice a month for the remainder of the school year (meeting schedule is subject to change).

Yes. Families will be kept informed of the discussions and provided opportunities for input/feedback during the coming year. In addition, an electronic form has been created where feedback can be provided at any time. While information submitted through the form may not receive individual replies, the information will be reviewed as it is received. Submit feedback now.

It is expected that all coaches would remain in a combined swim club. If a coach were to leave, that position would be reviewed to determine if any changes were needed at that time.

A key outcome of a combined club would be to provide more opportunities for swimmers to receive coaching support, not less. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify a structure that would ensure the highest quality coaching structure possible. This work will also include research of other similar-sized clubs around the country to understand how they operate and to determine if any of their operational methods could apply.

A key outcome of a combined club would be to provide families with the option to choose from more practice locations and times, not less. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify the best practice schedule and structure possible. This work will also include research of other similar-sized clubs around the country to understand how they operate and to determine if any of their operational methods could apply.

A key outcome of a combined club would be to provide more opportunities for all swimmers, regardless of their ability or performance level. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify the best structure that would ensure the highest quality coaching possible is provided to all swimmers. This work will also include research of other similar-sized clubs around the country to understand how they operate and to determine if any of their operational methods could apply.

This is a very important question. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify a competition structure that would allow swimmers to have as many, or more, opportunities to attend swim meets. This work will also include research of other similar-sized clubs around the country to understand how they operate and to determine if any of their operational methods could apply.

A key outcome of a combined club would be to embrace the outstanding experience and talents from coaches of both clubs, and bring them together to create something even better. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify the best coaching strategies possible. 

A combined club would be founded on the outstanding traditions and cultures of both clubs. Understanding and honoring what makes each club unique while identifying a shared path forward is important. 

No. One club would not be taking over the other club. Both clubs would be equal partners in a combined program. 

No. Both clubs are currently sound financially. It is believed a combined club could achieve a stronger financial position for the long term.

It is understood that the two swim clubs currently have varying fee schedules. The fee schedule for a combined program will be evaluated during the discussions, and will include involvement of both districts’ finance departments. The goal would be to keep fees as affordable as possible while continuing with both districts’ expectation that all expenses are covered.