FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KFSM) — A popular Fayetteville business has closed its doors after 44 years.
Swim Ranch is a local business that has dedicated decades to teaching thousands of people of all ages, even babies, how to swim.
Former Razorback swim coach Ed "Coach" Fedosky and his wife Virginia opened the business on Salem Rd. in 1975. Four decades later, the pool still stands today.
Both were graduates of Indiana University with degrees in health, physical education and recreation. Each had over 50 years of experience in teaching at all age levels, according to the business' website.
They've taught about 1500 students how to sweam each summer.
"We lived just down the road from the Swim Rank in 1975, when it was first built, and we were really excited because my husband loved to swim," Beverly Litzinger told 5NEWS.
Litzinger's daughter was one of the first swimmers at the ranch, and since then, several generations in her family learned how to swim there. She said when she heard the news, she was sad but thankful for the memories.
Classes ranged from water babies to seniors.
Swim Ranch Director and daughter of Ed and Virginia, Kim Brinson, told 5NEWS the business is closing due to her cancer prognosis. The sisters say they've taught kids who grew up to be mothers bringing their own kids to lessons.
They say letting go of Swim Ranch has not been easy, but as this chapter closes, they have been reflecting on the many good years they shared with their family and the community.
"Being able to be part of something that mom and dad started that was important to us as well and to our families and to have taken it as far as we could, we always wish we could do more, but we are also grateful for what we could do," Brinson said.
Brinson says at this time, the property has been sold, but the Swim Ranch business has not.
Swim Ranch released the following statement:
