Imagine a space where the healing power of the water is available to everyone. That is exactly the vision that Nicole Scherbarth, founder of Specialty Aquatic Programs, has focused on achieving with inclusive aquatic programs since 2012.

It’s also what she is currently striving to offer to the Plymouth community in the historic swimming pool at PARC-Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex.

Scherbarth’s company offers recreational, wellness and therapeutic programs for various individuals, including those with special needs as well as athletes. Utilizing community pools, she has impacted many lives. However, the pandemic forced her to close operations in Macomb and Oakland counties, temporarily halting her dream of providing inclusive programming for seniors, people with disabilities, unique schools and new parents.

In 2021 she discovered that PARC had availability for programs due to pandemic changes. After discussions with the leadership team at PARC, she signed an agreement in April 2022, establishing it as the new flagship site for Specialty Aquatic Programs.

Historically, PARC had a strong aquatics presence in the Plymouth community, and the revival of these programs became natural, challenging the community to develop a more inclusive aquatics program.

Scherbarth emphasizes that the re-birth of Specialty Aquatic Programs would not have been possible without the use of the pool at PARC, and the support of Plymouth residents.


Expanding Inclusive Aquatic Programs in the Plymouth Community

Scherbarth highlights that many community pools do not have sufficiently trained staff to support patrons with special needs, resulting in inadequate integration into classes. Approximately 30 percent of participants in Specialty Aquatic Programs have disclosed disabilities, while another 20 percent benefit from these programs after facing challenges in traditional environments.

“We face significant obstacles that hinder our growth,” Scherbarth said. “In the Plymouth area, there is limited access to indoor pools, as well as pools that are wheelchair accessible and have therapeutic temperatures. Additionally, we have students on a waitlist who require scholarship assistance in order to participate.”


Introducing Specialty Aquatic Charity

Recognizing the financial barriers that prevent many from accessing these vital programs, Scherbarth recently launched Specialty Aquatic Charity to raise funds and expand outreach. The charity’s immediate goals include:
Expanding outreach programs for seniors, adapted swim and therapeutic programs.
Training up to five new specialty aquatic program facilitators.
Increasing programming for individuals with autism, especially underserved adults aged 26 and older, in partnership with the PARC Life Foundation, another tenant organization located at PARC, who is committed to bridging the widening gap in support for the education, employment and independent living for individuals with autism and other thinking and learning differences.
Offering family-friendly school break aquatic events.


Current Programs Offered at PARC

Aquatic Fitness
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic Bodywork
Preschool, Swim School, and Stroke School
Homeschool Swim Programs
Adapted Swim Programs


Scherbarth’s passion for inclusive aquatic therapy ensures that everyone – regardless of ability or financial status – can experience the benefits of water.

For more information or to enroll in one of the Specialty Aquatic programs offered at PARC, please see specialtyaquaticprograms.com. If you would like to help underserved families access life-changing aquatic therapy, please consider donating at PayPal.me/specialtyaquafund.

The magic of water should be available to all.