LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, recently completed the aquatic amenity for The Haven, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the lives of those with unique abilities in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Dubbed the Judy’s Oasis Aquatic Center, The Haven hosted a grand opening ceremony to commemorate the completion of the project on Nov. 15. The therapeutic amenity features a 1,248-square-foot commercial pool, zero-depth entry with a ramp entrance, restroom facilities, a screened enclosure and an expansive brick paver deck.
“Aquatic therapy is a really an underutilized form of therapy for children, teenagers and adults and one that no one else offers in the region,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of The Haven. “Judy’s Oasis was a great collaboration to create a therapeutic pool that would be fully accessible for all people. This aquatic amenity will assist individuals with walking, range of motion and flexibility.”
Halfacre Construction broke ground on the 10,000-gallon commercial pool in February 2018. The construction company has partnered with the nonprofit for more than 10 years, completing a number of other projects, including the creation of two new group homes and the recreational athletic facility as well as remodel and maintenance work. In 2019, Halfacre Construction will break ground on a third group home for The Haven.
“Our team has been fortunate enough to partner with The Haven for more than a decade,” said Tom Rees, vice president of Halfacre Construction and project manager for the project. “We take a lot of pride in being able to assist and give back to this great organization, and it’s really fulfilling. Our team tries to donate as much as we can to these projects. It’s truly a wonderful place for our team to work, and we look forward to working with them on future projects.”
The pool project was funded entirely by the Fry Family Foundation, which has supported The Haven through various projects for nearly 12 years.
Located at 4405 DeSoto Road in Sarasota, The Haven currently serves more than 800 children and adults with disabilities through educational, residential and employment programs and services.
About Halfacre Construction Company
As the area’s oldest, most established, locally owned and operated private commercial construction company, Halfacre’s foundational strengths stand as evidence that its commercial and industrial construction projects will be delivered on time, within budget, with the utmost integrity and with the expertise and financial strength needed for success. Halfacre Construction also offers its expertise as a green building provider with the resources available to build viable, effective alternatives to reduce energy consumption and preserve natural resources. Staff includes U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) certified professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in green building practices and who possess a thorough grasp of the LEED Green Building Rating System. For more information, please visit HalfacreConstruction.com.
About The Haven
The Haven exists to enhance quality of life by encouraging independence, championing inclusion and advocating for individual rights. Nestled on 32-acres in the heart of Sarasota, The Haven offers programs and services for individuals with disabilities, including the Selby Preschool, Haven Academy (grades 9-12), Adult Day Training and Haven Industries, Community Employment and Residential Services. Together, the nonprofit can create a world where people with disabilities are included and valued members of society. The Haven is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization as established in 1954 by the Community Haven for Children and Adults with Disabilities, Inc. For more information, visit CommunityHaven.org.