Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) is a state-of-the-art aquatics center in Ocala, Florida (opened 2022) that combines elite training and competition facilities with community programming. Operated as a venture of the Circle Square Foundation, FAST offers swim lessons, a youth and masters swim program (FAST Falcons), drowning-prevention initiatives (including the Cannonball Kidz free third-grade lessons), training camps, and hosts regional and national swim meets.
Typically supports policies and funding for water-safety and drowning-prevention programs, state and local investment in recreational infrastructure and youth sports, swim lesson voucher and education initiatives, public-private partnerships for facility development, and measures that promote local economic development and sports tourism through event hosting.
Primarily funded by philanthropic investment from the Circle Square Foundation/Colen family charitable entities, supplemented by membership and program fees, meet and facility rental revenue, corporate sponsorships, and grants or donations.
Circle Square Foundation, Colen Built/Colen family charitable trust, On Top of the World/Calesa Township, FAST Falcons swim team, USA Swimming and Florida Swimming LSC, corporate partners such as TYR, and high-profile coaches/visitors associated with the facility (e.g., Gregg Troy, Brian Schrader, Kenneth D. Colen, Rebecca Rogers).
Non-profit sports/aquatic facility (venture of the Circle Square Foundation)
