A Community Swimming Experience
Forest Park Aquatic Center has been a swimming and diving destination for generations of families, teams, the Noblesville community and surrounding neighbors. Located in majestic and family friendly Forest Park, a renewed commitment to collaboration with the City of Noblesville and Noblesville Parks & Rec has strengthened the overall visitor experience and offers an extension of all the community assets Noblesville has to offer.
Noblesville Tradition
The Friends of Central Pool (FOCP) operates Forest Park Aquatic Center, maintaining a positive swimming experience for the community. The nonprofit volunteer organization has worked since 1996 to renovate the facilities as needed, working with local businesses and residents to create a safe and modern space. Friends of Central Pool recently led an effort to embark on a phased major improvements and renovation project: Project 2020. Thanks to a generous donation from the City of Noblesville, Phase I of the project is underway with many visitors enjoying the upgraded and enhanced visitor experience starting in summer 2020.
Through the years, the efforts of FOCP have remained committed to fulfilling the desire for a public swimming pool in the Noblesville community. As the origins of the swimming pool date back to the early 1900s, the current Forest Park Aquatic Center is the product of a rich history. From the first recognition of the need for access to a safe body of water to the opening of the first permanent swimming pool at Forest Park in 1931, excitement has followed the progression of a public swimming pool in Noblesville.
The presence of a public swimming pool in the early 1900s inspired a passion for water safety in the Noblesville community as free lessons were offered to all patrons. The opening of Forest Park presented an opportunity to relocate the pool in conjunction with the newly developed park. 45 years after the Forest Park Pool was opened, the infrastructure had significantly deteriorated, calling for repairs for the well-loved facilities. The pool was officially renamed Central Pool at its opening on July 23, 1976. It wouldn’t be until 1996 that The Friends of Central Pool was formed to, once again, renovate the now 20-year-old facilities. The addition of waterslides, diving boards, and countless other amenities over the years enhances the aquatic experience. Over the years, FOCP has made continuous upgrades, ensuring that the Forest Park Aquatic Center remains a premier amenity for Noblesville and the surrounding communities.
As FOCP continues a commitment to excellence, 2020 has seen another significant renovation project for the Forest Park Aquatic Center facilities. Home to countless competitive swimming competitions, camps, and other events, Noblesville’s public swimming pool has proven to be an essential piece of the Noblesville community. From the first, sand bottom swimming pool to our modern swimming experience, it has been a gathering place for many. Keeping in mind our rich history, the vision of the Forest Park Aquatic Center is to continue adding amenities while preserving the facility for future generations to enjoy.
Forest Park Aquatic Center Staff
Kim Bowling
Director of Aquatics
Kim Bowling is in her fifth year of management of the everyday operations of the Forest Park Aquatic Center including hiring and pool aesthetic and mechanical maintenance. She was a Noblesville Swim coach for 15 years and is dedicated to the success of the local, regional and national swim and dive programs.
Forest Park Aquatic Center Board of Directors
Greg Conner
President
Greg Conner is Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for Carmel based Bastian Solutions, a global leader in advanced automation systems. His involvement with the Friends of Central Pool and the Forest Park Aquatic Center dates back to 1990 when he was an 8-year-old member of the Noblesville Swim Club. Conner has worked at the Forest Park Aquatic Center in a variety of roles while growing up including lifeguard, head guard, assistant manager, and director of operations.
In addition to his involvement with the Forest Park Aquatic Center, he is active in his community and currently serves as president of Conner Prairie’s Horizon Council. Conner also volunteers his time with The Alpha Delta Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at Purdue University as well as the Thirst Project, which is dedicated to helping provide safe, clean drinking water to African communities. Greg and his wife Lisa have four children and make their home in Noblesville.
Dick Sidner
Vice President
Dick Sidner recently retired after a 28-year career with the IU School of Medicine. He was one of the founding members of the Friends of Central Pool in 1996.
He is an accomplished member of U.S. Masters Swimming competing at the highest level. Sidner is also a certified swim coach and stroke technician. He and his wife Lisa live in Noblesville.
Randy Crutchfield
Secretary
Randy Crutchfield serves as lead account manager for Vectren Energy – A CenterPoint Energy Company. He was one of the founding members of the Friends of Central Pool in 1996.
In addition to his involvement with the Friends of Central Pool, Crutchfield has also been an active advisory board member for the Fishers YMCA for over 20 years and is active in his church, Geist Christian Church, as a deacon and greeter.
Crutchfield has been an active member of U.S. Masters Swimming and the Noblesville Adult Swim Team (NASTI) for 30 years, serving both organizations on both a state and national level.
Chris Sikich
Treasurer
Chris Sikich has been involved with the Noblesville Adult Swim Team since 2001 and has served on both the state and national boards of United States Masters Swimming. He is also a member of USA Triathlon.
He has volunteered countless hours at the Forest Park Aquatic Center, including helping to found the major fundraiser for the center, the Noblesville Brewfest, in 2010. He remains active on the brewfest planning committee.
Chris is a longtime member of the Noblesville community. He has worked as a reporter and editor at the Noblesville Daily Ledger, the Topics Newspapers and The Indianapolis Star
Jon Barnett
At Large
Ryan Beeson
At Large
Jeff DeCocq
At Large
Jennifer Elliot
At Large
Scott Hammersley
At Large
Julia Shildmyer-Heighway
At Large
Shannon McDonald
At Large
Ed Parish
At Large
Frank Smardo
At Large
Brian Teske
At Large
Dan Welkin
At Large
Rich Wolfred
At Large
Kurt Zigler
At Large
Forest Park Aquatic Center Foundation Board
Doug Church
President
Doug Church is the senior partner in the Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim law firm. He was one of the founding members of the Friends of Central Pool and has served as president since 1996.
In addition to his involvement with the Forest Park Aquatic Center, Church has served as a member of the Conner Prairie Museum and Conner Prairie Foundation Board of Directors. He has been active in professional associations having served as president of the Indiana State Bar Association and president of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum. He and his wife Kathy reside in Noblesville.
City Partners
City of Noblesville
The City of Noblesville is home to Forest Park and the Forest Park Aquatic Center. A city where tradition meets innovation, Noblesville cultivates culture, commerce and community while celebrating our hometown feel and city appeal. Visit >>
Noblesville Parks & Recreation
Noblesville Parks & Recreation is home to boundless parks and trails across Noblesville. Host to programs, camps and other events, Noblesville Parks encourages exploration and appreciation of Noblesville’s beautiful green spaces. The Forest Park Aquatic Center is located within majestic Forest Park. Visit >>
Noblesville Schools
Noblesville Schools aims to engage, inspire and empower students. Noblesville Schools is a nationally recognized school district serving over 10,000 students across 10 different school sites in Noblesville. Visit >>