With a recent grant program, Beyond Aquatics announces the addition of free therapy and swim lessons for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. This is great news for families struggling to find somewhere nearby that offers such services. In addition, new group aquatic exercise classes are now available — kids can participate in them, too! Sign up for aqua boot-camp, aqua kickboxing and aqua yoga (more info about each can be found on their site). “Children typically find that aquatic classes are more fun than other types,” says Owner Michael Burrows. “It’s our goal to positively effect the childhood obesity problem more than any other program or medication. Currently we have two locations in Middle Tennessee and we plan to expand!”
More Aquatic Services
Other services for children include swimming lessons, open swim, sports training and birthday parties. The heated pools feature specialty aquatic equipment including motorized and manual underwater treadmills, recumbent and spin bikes, ellipticals, ski machines, rowing machines, stationary swimming, aquatic free weights and more. The Learn-to-Swim program offers convenient, one-on-one swimming instruction tailored to fit your schedule for little ones starting at 6 months.
Birthday Parties
Having a party here is definitely not what you'd expect. The kids love that the lights are turned off and the room is lit up with dancing multi-colored lights. A picky preteen (like my 12-year-old daughter) may think it's not such a cool place to have a party — that is until she sees the lights are turned off and the colorful lights are turned on. It's a glow party like no other! She couldn't wait to have her party here. 
The heated pool keeps everyone comfortable in the water and keeps the room warm for when they're out of the water. During your reserved time, you can decorate, set up a food area for snacks and drinks, set up your music playlist and more. The pool is just the right size for a group of about 30 children swimming. If you're party is bigger than that, you might want to see what your options are about renting the second pool, too. They even allow you to use the pool noodles and floats during your party. Be sure to allow time to clean up afterward, too. There are also two private bathrooms to use for showering, changing, etc., and lockers by the pool as well. Plan on a two-hour or more party and you're sure to have the best time. And don't worry about the little swimmers. "There are multiple options for little swimmers or those not potty trained," says Burrows. "Reusable swim diapers are available for purchase and are recommended by health departments to protect the safety and cleanliness of the pools. We also have the option to have a little kiddie pool set up inside next to the reception area, and we have built in benches, stairs and removable platforms that we can put into the therapy pool for toddlers to stand on." But what about safety? You have the option to have a lifeguard at your party for an additional cost. Every guest signs a waiver that releases liability of any accident for Beyond Aquatics or the party host. "We allow the party hosts to accept responsibility of their guests," adds Burrows. "It's easy to watch everyone in the pool because the pool is smaller than a big rec pool and the reception area is in view of the pool, too." They also have a picnic table as well as additional tables with plenty of chairs to set out if you need them, too. The steps going into and out of the pool make it easy for any age and ability to get in and out comfortably. You can also bring in any food and drinks such as pizza, cake, potluck and more. Bring a cooler to keep your chilled food and drinks cool. Pool parties are $125 an hour and you can rent the pool in half-hour increments, too. There is a 50% deposit required at time of booking, too. Cost to rent two pools is $250 an hour and this includes a private rental of the whole facility which includes two separate pools which can both be observed from the reception area and the use of the HydroMassage Therapy Bed at no additional cost. The aquatic center will only be open to your invited guests during your rental time. Just remember, they are very flexible and aim to accommodate your every need.
Beyond Aquatics
Beyond Aquatics is located at 236 Robert Rose Drive, Murfreesboro (615-962-9500) and 920 Colloredo Blvd., Shelbyville (931-575-0822). Visit beyondaquatics.com to learn more.
