Making a Splash! The Partnership of Asbury Springhill and THW Design on the Dr. Robert & Marilyn Bernhard Aquatic Center

In August 2020, as part of its 30th anniversary celebration, Asbury Springhill hosted the opening of its new Dr. Robert & Marilyn Bernhard Aquatic Center. This socially distant community event was shared via livestream throughout the country. Leaders from Asbury and Asbury Foundation, along with donor families, were on hand to officially open the pool and celebrate the completion of the community-wide project, which received more than 1,100 donations totaling over $1.7 million!

Springhill collaborated with LeadingAge PA Business Member THW Design to add a wellness component for residents to the existing campus. Recognizing the center needed to be easily accessible for assisted living and independent living residents, THW incorporated entries from each of those respective campus buildings. Other features THW used to enhance the center include an energy-efficient footprint for the men's and women's restrooms, locker rooms, and office areas, as well as the use of large window on three of the four sides in the pool area to allow more natural lighting. 

In addition, the aquatic center boasts a warm, therapeutic pool with multiple user-friendly entry points. Residents who exercise in the relaxing 90-degree water have noticed benefits such as an increased range of motion and decreased pain and stiffness in their joints. Some have even seen improvements in their sleep cycles! Of course, for those times when residents need to soothe their sore muscles, the jets from the in-pool hot tub provide welcome relief.

Since the grand opening, approximately 30 residents have been routinely using the pool and enjoying its many benefits. Because of the well-received response to this new amenity, the Springhill team is excited to add aquatic classes to its activities!