Our Story

The Peninsula Aquatics Center started as a vision and turned into a mission in 2019 when founder Rachel Stollenwerk recognized a need for quality swim instruction for young families in the Gibraltar and Sevastopol school districts. As a former competitive swimmer, instructor and coach, she started teaching out of hotel pools in 2020 and quickly realized that demand was high and a facility was needed.

Backed by a supportive design-build team and a network of families ready for the space, the Peninsula Aquatics Center plans came together. Land was purchased in September 2023 and construction began in March of 2025.

With overwhelming support from the community and Village of Sister Bay, the project was awarded a $250,000 Community Development grant administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in September of 2025. Construction was completed in November of 2025 and the Peninsula Aquatics Center opened to the public in January of 2026.

The Peninsula Aquatics Center provides the facility space to support and enhance the quality of life for young families in northern Door County. These families are the backbone to our region. They are the workforce that keeps essential services accessible and the vibrant tourism industry alive. They fill our schools with the next generation of growing minds and coach, volunteer and give back to worthwhile causes.

Living on a peninsula, water safety and swimming skills are a requirement and we are excited to prioritize the needs of our next generation by providing programming and a welcoming facility that encourages safety, exploration and skill development for all ages and abilities.

The journey is just beginning for aquatics in northern Door County. We welcome you to be a part of it!