Coastal Seniors of South Walton brings back water aerobics class

Coastal Seniors of South Walton (CSSW) has found a new home for its weekly water aerobics classes. The local senior group has partnered with Watersound Fountains, a new independent living community in Inlet Beach, to host four weekly classes for local seniors. The classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

“We’re so proud of our beautiful pool and are glad it’s being enjoyed by active seniors in our community,” said Melissa Adams, Executive Director of Watersound Fountains. “Coastal Seniors is an incredible organization that supports local seniors with a variety of social and wellness programs. We’re happy to support them – and our seniors – in any way we can.”

The group relaunched its popular water aerobics class in May, when Watersound Fountains opened its doors to residents. The class was previously held at a local apartment complex pool. However, when the ownership changed, the group was left without a place to meet.

“Water aerobics is our most popular program, so when we stopped offering it in October many of our members started driving 45 minutes to Panama City Beach to attend classes there,” said Sonia Roth, Program Manager for CSSW. “Since we’ve started meeting at Watersound Fountains, every class is full. We’ve launched an online scheduling tool to make it fair to those who want to attend.”

Coastal Seniors of South Walton currently meets at the Walton County Commissioners Office in Santa Rosa Beach and hosts events throughout the community. For years, they have petitioned the county for a dedicated senior center to allow for larger classes and events. Those plans may come to fruition if the county purchases the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast in Santa Rosa Beach. Roth said there has been talk of using part of that building for a senior center.

“We’re so appreciative of the space that we have, but we are limited in what we can do,” said Jennifer Clausen, Director of CSSW. “There is certainly a need for a senior center in our community. Our area has experienced an increase in seniors living here who want to stay active and fit."

The organization provides a community for active seniors and focuses on personal health, social, recreational, volunteer opportunities, and life-long learning. Classes include exercise, chair yoga, Tai Chi, watercolor painting classes, and pickleball sessions. The organization also regularly hosts guest speakers.

On June 14, CSSW hosted a Bicentential event in Santa Rosa Beach. Watersound Fountains donated food for the event. The community will also host the CSSW’s member appreciation event this fall.

“Watersound Fountains has been really generous with our members. If they have activites, we are invited to them,” said Roth. “Until we have our own building, the community is the right setting for our members. It’s a beautiful building in a great location and the staff and residents have been so welcoming to all of us.”

Walton County Commissioners will discuss the purchase of Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast at the June 20 meeting at 9:00 a.m. Roth and Clausen are asking local seniors to attend the meeting and share their support in favor of creating a dedicated space for seniors and the CSSW.

About Watersound Fountains

Located in Inlet Beach, Fla. Watersound Fountains is a 148-apartment independent living community located at 65 Origins Parkway. The community offers resort-style amenities including four unique dining venues, a fitness studio, salon and spa, wellness center, swimming pool, indoor golf simulator, and outdoor putting green. Residents also have access to award-winning programming through Watermark University. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, Watersound Fountains is committed to creating an extraordinary and innovative community where people thrive. A WATERSOUND℠ independent living community. A WATERMARK℠ managed independent living community. For more information, visit https://watersound.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 70 retirement communities in 22 states coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 10th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.