There’s something unmistakably magical about the nostalgia of Owensboro’s summer swim clubs — the scent of chlorine, the sharp trill of a lifeguard’s whistle, and the sound of kids laughing as they cannonball into cool water.
For many, the neighborhood pools at Darnek, Splash, Town and Country, and Paddock were more than a way to beat the heat. They were the heart of summer — places where friendships formed, routines took shape, and the only mode of transportation needed was a bike. Time moved slowly as members enjoyed swim meets, pool games, and long, lazy days in the sun.
Karen Thomas, former assistant manager and swim coach at Paddock, said those long days built lifelong memories.
“It’s a shame they aren’t still there,” she said. “I feel sorry for kids; the pools kept them out of trouble and formed friendships that are still there.”
At Paddock, the day began with swim team practice. Thomas coached swimmers using technique stations, with each child welcome on the team. Points were earned for participation, wins, and attendance — and swimmers even gathered at her house to study flip turns on VHS tapes.
“They became a close-knit group,” she said.
Her son Trent remembers those days well, saying, “My best childhood friends are still my friends. That’s where you went to see your friends.”
Games on the lawn, like those led by Dale Poole, kept kids active between swims. Team T-shirts were a highlight before city meets, bringing a sense of pride and belonging.
“We were the first to have them, and you could see the excitement,” Karen said. “They stood a little taller, there was camaraderie and unity, and they liked being together.”
Brad Schmied, now a U.S. Masters swimmer, learned to swim at Town and Country. He doesn’t remember when he started going there, but can still recall packed bike racks and marathon swim days.
“We would ride our bikes to practice in the morning, back home for breakfast, and then back to the pool again for a day of swimming — every day,” Schmied said. “The bike racks overflowed with bicycles, and the pool was always packed.”
Schmied swam for Town and Country from age 6 through high school and said the swim meets were special because of the white brick wall that listed the previous city meet championships.
“I remember swimming with a lane full of kids each morning and chasing the fastest person in the lane just trying not to get run over,” he said. “Each year you would move up to a different lane based on experience and age, and I always worked to earn a spot in the ‘fast’ lane.”
Those memories echo across all the city’s swim clubs — including Darnek, where Brian Keller got his start in an unforgettable way.
At just 6 years old, his parents promised him a puppy if he could swim the length of the Darnek pool. A coach happened to witness his attempt and asked him to join the summer team. Keller swam at Darnek through high school and also trained year-round with the YMCA Racers and Daviess County High School.
Keller said the fiercest swim rivalry at one point was between Owensboro Country Club and Town and Country, but over time it shifted to Darnek and Town and Country — but the energy and family feel stayed the same.
“I think it was a great place to grow up; it was like a big family there,” Keller said.
Keller, who moved away after college, said he did not realize neighborhood swim clubs had closed in Owensboro.
“It’s sad that this option isn’t there for kids and families today,” he said. “I formed so many great friendships and traveled the country through competitive swimming, and without that club swimming environment in the summers, I don’t know that I would have ever found competitive swimming.”
Sisters Amy Harper and Heather Cavitt grew up in that same pool, later becoming lifeguards and managers. Harper credits it with teaching her leadership and fairness.
“My sister was the better swimmer, but I enjoyed being on the team, going to practice and being with my friends,” Harper said. “… I look back on those memories and smile. We had so much fun. Summer swimming is so great for building long-term friendships and having really good fun in the summer.”
Cavitt stayed for 19 years, bringing her memories to new generations of swimmers. She said she always tried to bring her memories and experiences to the local pools, encouraging kids to interact with one another.
“Kids now just stare at their phones all day or stay inside,” Cavitt said. “Back then we were always outside and actually playing – kickball, wiffle ball, hide and seek, etc. – after we had been at the pool all day. I do love seeing kids out on their bikes having fun with their friends!”
While those memories are steeped in nostalgia, they don’t just live in the minds of former swimmers — there’s still proof of the competition and camaraderie. Old team shirts, trophies, and meet ribbons remain tucked away in boxes. And for those who want to relive it, the cheers and splash-filled races of Owensboro’s city meets can still be found on YouTube, offering a vivid reminder that those golden summers were as real as the water they swam in.
The city swim meets were always held at Darnek when Schmied was swimming, and he said the competition between Darnek and Town and Country was intense — often coming down to just a few points.
“City meets were special because they were broadcast on TV with commentators, and it was always fun to hear your name and watch yourself on TV in those days,” Schmied said, adding they are still searchable on YouTube under “Owensboro city swim meets.”
At the meets, swimmers received colored tongue depressors as placeholders that were later traded in for 1st-, 2nd-, or 3rd-place ribbons. Schmied especially enjoyed traveling to invitational meets in other cities — where larger ribbons and even awards for 12th place made every swimmer feel like part of something big.
“I always loved the city meet,” Harper said. “My sister would win her age group every year. That was always so exciting.”
The end-of-season swim banquets also hold a special place in the hearts of many — often featuring potlucks, luaus, extended swim time, and a trophy presentation. One tradition that stood out?
“Every Town and Country swimmer will remember the greased watermelon game we played at those banquets,” Schmied said with a laugh.
With the loss of the neighborhood and community pools, Schmied said he’s saddened by what today’s kids are missing.
“I do wish my daughter got to experience those times,” he said. “They are great memories of families, friends, and never-ending summer fun where literally everyone you knew was involved.”
The longing to return to those swim clubs lingers in those who grew up with them — like the echo of a splash or the sound of pop music through poolside speakers. It’s more than a desire to revisit a physical place; it’s a yearning for unscheduled summer days, the freedom of riding bikes until dusk, and the timeless magic of community built around water.
While local golf course clubs, Atlantis, and the City of Owensboro pools still offer summer swim access, only Owensboro Country Club maintains a competitive swim team. Owensboro Health has recently launched a team that now competes with OCC — keeping the spirit of swim meets alive, even if the setting looks a little different. OL
