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).

Updated on 12/21/22: At this time, discussions remain ongoing between the two clubs regarding any potential possibilities. 

Updated 4-11-23
Coaches from Parkway and Rockwood swim clubs continue to lead the planning and preparation effort while working toward the August 2024 timeline for a combined club.

Updtaed 5-11-23
Both Parkway and Rockwood aquatics staff have been working together since September to lead the research, planning, design and recommendation to move forward with a combined aquatics program. Their input and expertise continues to be invaluable and is greatly appreciated. 

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.

Updated 5-11-23
Coaches are currently working through identifying the ideal staffing structure for the combined club. All coaches from both clubs will have the opportunity to continue in the combined club.  This could include continuing in a current position or assuming a different role within the club.

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.

Updated 12/21/22: Coaches from both the Parkway Swim Club and Rockwood Swim Club agree this issue is important and key to the success of a potential combined club. Coaches will continue discussing this issue to ensure that the knowledge and expertise of the coaches in a combined club would remain a central component. If the school districts do move forward with the decision to combine the swim clubs, this would mean the creation of a shared number of resources (coaches, pools, etc.) 

Updated 4-11-23
The coaches from both clubs will continue working together to design the best practice/competition schedule and structure possible. The coaches have agreed that adding one to three levels of groups in a combined club will allow swimmers to be placed into groups with more similarity in ability levels across the group, resulting in a better training/development experience. This approach is recommended versus the approach of adding more practice times for the current number of group levels. That being said, the goal remains to provide as many options for parents as possible. This item will continue to be reviewed by coaches while working towards August 2024 for a combined club.

Updated 5-11-23
All swimmers, regardless of their ability, are valuable members of the swim club.  Regardless of where a swimmer is in terms of age or development, coaches are committed to continuing their focus on providing attention to each swimmer in a combined club. In addition, coaches will be identifying maximums for group sizes, depending on location, which will limit the total possible number of swimmers per lane.

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.

Updated 4-11-23
The coaches from both clubs will continue working together to design the best practice/competition schedule and structure possible. The coaches have agreed that adding one to three levels of groups in a combined club will allow swimmers to be placed into groups with more similarity in ability levels across the group, resulting in a better training/development experience. This approach is recommended versus the approach of adding more practice times for the current number of group levels. That being said, the goal remains to provide as many options for parents as possible. This item will continue to be reviewed by coaches while working toward August 2024 for a combined club.

Updated 5-11-23
All swimmers, regardless of their ability, are valuable members of the swim club.  Regardless of where a swimmer is in terms of age or development, coaches are committed to continuing their focus on providing attention to each swimmer in a combined club.

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.

Updated on 12/21/22: Coaches from both the Parkway Swim Club and Rockwood Swim Club have agreed that if the swim clubs were to combine, the shared resources (coaches, pools, etc.) as a result of combining could provide a variety of locations and times to provide a quality experience for swimmers.

Updated 3/17/23
The coaches from both clubs have been working together to identify the best practice schedule and structure possible. During these discussions, the coaches agreed that adding one to three levels of groups in a combined club would allow swimmers to be placed into groups with more similarity in ability levels across the group, resulting in a better training/development experience. This approach is recommended versus the approach of adding more practice times for the current number of group levels. That being said, the goal remains to provide as many options for parents as possible. This item will continue to be reviewed by coaches while working toward the target time of August 2024 for a combined club.

Updated 5/11/23
Coaches have identified an initial outline of practice times and locations for the combined club and will continue to refine these details as planning continues over the coming months. It is possible that some current practice times and locations will change, however the goal will be to continue providing as much convenience as possible for families.

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.

Updated 5/11/23
This topic continues to be at the forefront of planning. Coaches have confidence in being able to ensure opportunities for all swimmers who choose to participate in swim meets. In addition, there is a commitment to offering as much convenience for families as possible while ensuring swimmers are attending meets that offer the best development opportunity based on their current level of swimming. This could include the entire club attending the same meet or having groups attend separate meets based on coach recommendation.

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.

Updated 3-17-23
The fee schedule for a combined program continues to be evaluated. It is understood that the two swim clubs currently have varying fee schedules, with Rockwood Swim Club fees higher on average. This is due in part to Rockwood Swim Club coach pay levels typically being higher. 

Both Parkway and Rockwood Swim Clubs will need to increase fees in coming years regardless of whether or not the combined club moves forward due to continued increases in operating and staff expenses.

In a combined club, the goal is to keep fees as affordable as possible while continuing with both districts’ expectation that all expenses are covered. That being said, the initial rate increase impact would vary for families in a combined setting given the current difference in fee structure of each club.

Updated 5/11/23
Coaches are currently working on identifying the ideal staffing structure for the combined club.  It is understood that the quality of a swim club can be directly attributed to the talent and experience of the coaching staff.  As a result, this process  includes reviewing existing salaries and researching salaries of other swim club programs. This process is underway and is expected to be completed in the coming months. Ultimately, these details will directly impact the fees charged to families. 

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.

Updated 4-11-23
An open house will be held for families from 6:30-8 p.m. on May 10 (location TBD). The open house will provide an opportunity to learn more about the latest details of the combined aquatics programs, meet with aquatics staff and ask questions. A formal invitation will be sent in the coming weeks.

In addition, families are encouraged to contact their current swim club head coach at any time with questions.

Updated 5/11/23
Yes. We know that families may have valuable feedback for the aquatics staff to consider during their planning. Families are invited to submit their feedback at any time via this feedback form.

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 (may vary by level due to nature of program)
• 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

UPDATED 3/7/23: At the most recent meeting, coaches of both clubs have identified another potential benefit to combining the swim clubs.

• Increased competitiveness at all levels when it comes to both practices and meets.

A strength of both Parkway Swim Club and Rockwood Swim Club is the outstanding support provided by each club's respective parent booster group. Given that the booster clubs are separate non-profit entities, they would need to work together to discuss a possible collective future. This work would not be directed by the districts.

The intent of the discussions is to identify what a path forward for a combined swim club would look like. That being said, there is much to be discussed. These discussions will began in September, include coaching staff from both swim clubs, and will continue over the next year. Families will be kept informed and provided opportunities for input/feedback during the coming year.

Updated 3/17/23

Based on the planning meetings that have been taking place with coaches since September, our meetings with superintendents of both districts and our discussions with both the Parkway and Rockwood Boards of Education, it is our intent to continue moving forward with planning for a combined swim club and learn-to-swim program based on the following timeline:

• Learn-to-swim programs: The two learn-to-swim-programs (Parkway Swim School and Rockwood swim lesson program) would be combined starting with swim lesson sessions in August 2023.

• Swim Clubs: Both the Parkway and Rockwood swim clubs would continue to operate as separate programs through the 2023-24 swim season, with a combined program scheduled to begin in August 2024.

There is still much work to be done. Here is what you can expect in the coming months:

• Parkway and Rockwood Swim Club coaches will continue with planning as we work to achieve the timelines listed above.

• We will meet with leadership of the Parkway and Rockwood swim clubs’ parent associations to talk about their status in a collective future.   

• As we near the start for the combined learn-to-swim (August 2023) and swim club (August 2024) programs, we anticipate holding open houses for families to learn more about these programs and meet with staff. More details on these events will be provided as dates/locations are finalized.

Updated 4/11/23
The districts have agreed to move forward with a combined aquatics program to be rolled out over the next two years as follows:

• Learn-to-swim programs and other recreational aquatics programs for youth and adults: Combined program starting August 2023

• Swim Clubs: Combined program starting August 2024
  
  

The existing Community Ed cooperative agreement between Parkway and Rockwood provides a provision allowing the aquatics programs to be combined with an amendment upon written agreement by the superintendents of each district. This amendment has now been signed by the superintendents. Note: A similar process was used when the districts’ Adult Education & Literacy programs were combined under Community Ed in July 2017.

An open house will be held for families from 6:30-8 p.m. on May 10 (location TBD). The open house will provide an opportunity to learn more about the latest details of the combined aquatics programs, meet with aquatics staff and ask questions. A formal invitation will be sent in the coming weeks.

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. 

Updated 3-17-23
The coaches from both clubs have been working together since September and believe that coaching styles are more alike overall than different. That being said, a key outcome of a combined club would be to embrace the outstanding experience and talents from the coaches of both clubs, and bring them together to create an enhanced experience for swimmers.

Updated 4-11-23
As we prepare for a combined swim club starting in August 2024, the coaches from both clubs will continue working together to embrace the outstanding experience and talents from the coaches of both clubs, and bring them together to create an enhanced experience for swimmers.

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. 

Updated 3-17-23
The coaches from both clubs have been working together since September and believe that the club cultures are more alike overall than different. That being said, understanding and honoring what makes each club unique while identifying a shared path forward is important to both clubs. That sentiment will continue to be factored into the planning process. 

Updated 4-11-23
The coaches remain committed to honoring the wonderful legacy of both the Parkway and Rockwood Swim Clubs while embracing the excitement of our shared path going forward.  All decisions will continue to be centered around our commitment to creating the best experience possible for swimmers and their families.

Here is an overview of the current timeline:

• Swim Clubs: Both Parkway and Rockwood 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.

Updated on 1/30/23

The swim club coaches have been meeting since September and have agreed on a revised timeline if the decision is made to move forward:

• Swim Clubs: Both Parkway and Rockwood Swim Clubs will continue to operate as separate programs through the 2023-24 swim season, with a combined program starting in August 2024.
• Learn-to-swim programs: The two learn-to-swim programs (Parkway Swim School and SwimAmerica) would be combined starting with swim lesson sessions in August 2023.

Updated 4-11-23
The districts have agreed to move forward with a combined aquatics program to be rolled out over the next two years as follows:

• Learn-to-swim programs and other recreational aquatics programs for youth and adults: Combined program starting August 2023

Swim Clubs: Combined program starting August 2024

Families will be kept informed 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.

Updated 4-11-23
An open house will be held for families from 6:30-8 p.m. on May 10 (location TBD). The open house will provide an opportunity to learn more about the latest details of the combined aquatics programs, meet with aquatics staff and ask questions. A formal invitation will be sent in the coming weeks.

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. 

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.

No. 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.

Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed is a partnership between the Parkway and Rockwood School Districts that provides high quality programs that enhance the quality of life for residents. Programs are offered in the areas of adult education & literacy, art, aquatics, enrichment, outdoor education, school-age care and sports & fitness. Rockwood aquatics programs (Rockwood Swim Club and SwimAmerica) currently fall under Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed, and a combined swim club would be part of Community Ed as well. Learn more about Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed.

Updated 3-17-23
The supervisors of both learn-to-swim programs have been working together since September and believe that the structure and instruction currently provided by each program has more similarities than differences. That being said, a key outcome of a combined learn-to-swim program is to embrace the best of each program to create an enhanced experience for swimmers. A combined program will continue to offer different levels for swimmers to advance at their own pace as they increase their abilities. In addition to group lessons, a combined program will offer adaptive, parent/child, preschool and private lessons.

Updated 3-17-23
It is understood that a lower swimmer to instructor ratio is best for learning. As a result, a combined program would utilize the current Rockwood swimmer-to-instructor ratio which starts at 3:1 and can increase slightly as swimmers progress in their ability. The current Parkway swimmer-to-instructor starts at a 4:1 ratio and increases slightly as swimmers progress.

Update 3-17-23
Both programs currently see a high demand from the community. In a combined program, we anticipate utilizing staff from both programs and hiring additional staff to allow us to offer the same, or more, number of spots available to the community.  We believe the current higher instructor pay for Rockwood learn-to-swim staff will help increase our ability to attract/retain staff in the Parkway area.

Updated 4-11-23
The coaches from both clubs will continue working together to design the best practice schedule and structure possible. The coaches have agreed that adding one to three levels of groups in a combined club will allow swimmers to be placed into groups with more similarity in ability levels across the group, resulting in a better training/development experience. This approach is recommended versus the approach of adding more practice times for the current number of group levels. That being said, the goal remains to provide as many options for parents as possible. This item will continue to be reviewed by coaches while working toward August 2024 for a combined club. 

Updated 3-17-23
Currently, Parkway Swim School offers lessons at two locations: Parkway West High School and Kirkwood High School. Rockwood swim lessons are offered at Crestview Middle School and Rockwood Summit High School during the school year, and a location is added at Eureka High School during the summer.

In a combined program, we want to continue offering convenient locations for families, while also utilizing swim school staff efficiently. As a result, we anticipate offering classes at Crestview Middle School, Kirkwood High School and Rockwood Summit High School during the school year, and adding a location at Eureka High School during the summer.  

Note: The Crestview Middle School pool is not shared with other school groups and is only utilized by Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed. Crestview Middle School is located approximately four miles down Clayton Rd. from Parkway West High School.

Updated 5/11/23
The following are the swim school locations:

2023-24 School Year

• Crestview Middle School (no lessons Nov. 2023-March 2024 due to pool renovation)
• Kirkwood High School
• Parkway West High School (August 2023-March 2024 only)
• Rockwood Summit High School
• Eureka High School (summer only)

2024-24 School Year and Beyond

• Crestview Middle School
• Kirkwood High School
• Rockwood Summit High School
• Eureka High School (summer only)

Note: The Crestview Middle School pool is not shared with other school groups and is only utilized by Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed. Crestview Middle School is located approximately four miles down Clayton Rd. from Parkway West High School.

Updated 3-17-23
It is understood that the two learn-to-swim programs currently have different fee schedules, with Rockwood program fees higher on average. This is due in part to Rockwood having a lower swimmer-to-instructor ratio and pay levels for instructors that are higher than Parkway. 

Both Parkway and Rockwood learn-to-swim programs will need to increase fees in coming years regardless of whether or not the combined program moves forward due to ongoing increases in operating and staff expenses.

In a combined program, the goal is to keep fees as affordable as possible while continuing with both districts’ expectation that all expenses are covered. That being said, the initial rate increase impact would vary for families in a combined program given the current difference in fee structure of each program.