New Indoor ‘Goldfish’ Swim School Coming to Area

A new swimming school featuring a large, indoor heated pool is on its way in the area.

Pine Township's Board of Supervisors on Monday unanimously approved plans for a Goldfish Swim School to be located off Lake Drive near the Wexford Plaza on Perry Highway, home to the Whole Foods store.

Owner Scott Payne, a Bradford Woods resident, said the 8,700 square-foot facility would be built from the ground up and feature a variety of swimming lessons for children, including those as young as six months.

The building’s indoor 32 by 72 foot pool will be heated to 92 degrees year round, Payne said. 

“It’s really, really cool,” he said.

Founded by Michigan-based husband-and-wife team Jenny and Chris McCuiston in 2006, Goldfish Swim School now has franchises throughout the midwest.

Payne, a father of four children between the ages of 1 and 8, said he first learned of the school from a friend in Detroit. After visiting the facility in person several years ago, Payne said he was wowed.

“It was just amazing,” he said. “It almost has a Bahamas feel inside.”  

Payne said the facility in Pine would feature a glass window facing the pool where parents may watch their children participate in lessons.

This will be the first Goldfish school in the Pittsburgh area. Already, Payne said interested swimmers from across the region are pre-registering for classes.

“This is a healthy business,” Payne said. “Truly, I think that one thing everyone always will need to know is how to swim.”

Payne, who sells medical devices, said his wife, Christy Payne, would act as the facility’s general manager.

He said he hopes to break ground on the facility in May and be open for business by August or September.

"It's really a lot of fun for the whole family," he said. 

More About Goldfish

According to the company’s website, Goldfish swim classes are kept small with no more than four children per instructor.

Classes range from introductory parent-tot programs to beginner swimmer lessons to advanced pro-level lessons. Goldfish also offers a recreational swim team, weekend birthday parties and open swim times for families.

Are you excited for Goldfish Swim School to open in the area? Tell us in the comment section below. 

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Check out some of today's other top stories here.