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April 20, 2026
HOWARD – Expanding its footprint beyond Appleton, the Wisconsin Swim Academy recently broke ground on its new location in Howard.
The new 7,916 square-foot facility – which was first featured in the Jan. 26, 2026 issue of The Business News – will be located adjacent to the recent development of the Howard Commons at 2920 Riverside Drive.
“It’s really exciting to finally break ground,” Owner Susie Van Ekeren said. “Something like the Wisconsin Swim Academy is needed in many areas, including the [Greater] Green Bay area.”
As the academy’s second location general manager, Jack Van Ekeren – Susie’s son – said the facility will focus on providing swimming lessons and gymnastics for children.
He said the facility will include a pool, locker rooms, a viewing area, offices and a gymnastics space.
Howard location
Jack said they chose Howard because it is a growing community, adding that the Green Bay area lacks a swim-focused facility with individualized lessons, making Howard the ideal fit.
“It’s an active community, with Howard Commons and the YMCA nearby,” he said.
Susie said another key reason for choosing the Howard location is that 60-70 Green Bay-area families currently travel to the Appleton location for services.
“There is definitely a need in this area, as indicated by how many families drive to Appleton,” she said.
Susie said their goal is to help strengthen water safety efforts, which have become more prominent since the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that swimming lessons play an important role in building skills and confidence in the water.
“It’s been shown that swimming lessons help reduce drowning rates by 88%,” she said. “It goes without saying, but the sooner you get your kids in lessons, the better.”
Though not ruling out additional expansion, Susie said Wisconsin Swim Academy is currently focused on operations in Appleton and Howard.
“We’ve been coming to parenting expos in this area for a long time, and we’ve heard from many folks how something like this is needed,” she said. “We are happy to be here.”
Facility Manager Amara Neitzke said she was honored to take on the role at the Howard location.
“It’s about the children and all the families we will help,” she said. “I joined the Wisconsin Swim Academy Appleton facility in 2020, and I’ve been there since. I told Susie I’ll be here for the rest of my life.”
Susie said Neitzke was the ideal choice for the position, pointing to her professionalism, strong work ethic and passion for working with children.
“I could honestly go on and on,” she said. “She’s been amazing since day one. The Green Bay area is in good hands with her in Howard.”
Timeframe
Jack said construction was pushed back slightly, thanks in part to the mid-March snowstorm that brought more than 26 inches to the area.
“That was quite a shock,” he laughed. “Things like that can obviously happen, but we are back on track. We are expecting an opening sometime this fall.”
Jack said the facility – which includes a 25-foot-by-50-foot pool heated to 90 degrees year-round – will also have a state-of-the-art sanitation system.
“There will also be a 1,500-square-foot toddler tumbling/gymnastics education room,” he said. “That area will have a foam pit, a trampoline, etc. The academy’s gymnastics program is really education-based.”
Though the YMCA is located nearby on Cardinal Lane, Jack said he and his mother do not consider it a competitor.
“We view them more as a partner – a partner to help reduce drowning deaths with water safety,” he said. “I think we both provide awesome services.”
Keep up to date with the facility’s progress and official opening date on its Facebook page.
