Families in the Howard area will soon have a novel dedicated space for youth athletics as the Wisconsin Swim Academy to open new location in Howard this fall. The expansion marks the second facility for the organization, which first established its presence in Appleton in 2020.
Located at 2920 Riverview Drive, the new site sits adjacent to the Howard Commons development. Owner Susie Van Ekeren noted that the decision to expand was driven by a growing demand for specialized aquatic and gymnastics instruction in the Howard and greater Green Bay areas, citing a significant number of parents who were unable to secure spots at other local facilities.
“Everything is just expanding out and getting so considerable,” Van Ekeren said. “We experience there’s a real need for this here.”
The project aims to address a critical safety gap in childhood development. Van Ekeren views the academy’s growth not just as a business expansion, but as a mission to reduce the incidence of childhood drowning, which remains a leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.
Addressing the Critical Need for Water Safety
The urgency behind the new facility is underscored by national health data. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dated Jan. 6, 2026, more than 4,500 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the United States, averaging roughly 11 deaths per day.
The data specifically highlights a concerning trend among toddlers and preschoolers. In 2022, 461 children aged 1 to 4 died from drowning, representing a 28% increase compared to 2019 figures. By increasing the availability of personalized lessons, the Wisconsin Swim Academy intends to provide parents with a reliable resource to mitigate these risks.
To ensure high-quality instruction, the academy employs a personalized approach where each instructor works with a maximum of three children per session. This low student-to-teacher ratio is designed to maximize safety and accelerate the learning process for young swimmers.
Facility Specifications and Programming
The Howard location is designed as a multi-purpose athletic hub for children, combining aquatic training with physical development through gymnastics. The building’s footprint includes dedicated locker rooms, a viewing area for parents, and administrative offices.
General Manager Jack Van Ekeren provided specific details regarding the technical layout of the facility. The swimming pool will measure 25 feet by 50 feet, providing ample space for various skill levels. The facility will house a gymnastics area spanning approximately 1,500 square feet.
| Feature | Dimension/Detail |
|---|---|
| Pool Size | 25 feet x 50 feet |
| Gymnastics Space | ~1,500 square feet |
| Max Student Ratio | 3 children per instructor |
| Opening Timeline | Fall 2026 |
Collaborative Community Approach
Despite the proximity of other athletic facilities, the academy is positioning itself as a complementary service rather than a direct competitor. The Greater Green Bay YMCA is located approximately a half-mile from the construction site and offers its own suite of swimming lessons, gym facilities, and basketball courts.
Van Ekeren explicitly described the YMCA as “partners” in the community, stating that “we are all trying to do the same thing.” This philosophy suggests that the increased capacity provided by the new academy will help absorb the overflow of families currently unable to find open registration slots in the region.
Timeline and Registration Process
Construction is currently underway and is expected to continue throughout the summer. Even as Jack Van Ekeren acknowledged that “construction is unpredictable,” the organization is targeting a formal opening this fall.
Registration for the new Howard location is already open. Interested parents can sign up through the academy’s official website or via telephone. Management recommends calling for registration to ensure that specific questions regarding scheduling and placement can be addressed directly by staff.
For those seeking more information or wishing to register, the official portal is available at wiswimacademy.com.
Disclaimer: The drowning statistics cited are based on public health reports provided by the CDC for informational purposes regarding water safety.
The next major milestone for the project is the completion of the construction phase over the summer months, leading toward the anticipated autumn opening. We will provide updates as a firm opening date is announced.
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