Longtime Fayetteville business Swim Ranch announces closure

The Swim Ranch / Courtesy photo

A longtime local business that has taught swimming and water safety to thousands of local residents is permanently closed.

The Swim Ranch has ceased operations after 44 years in business in Fayetteville, according to a letter sent to residents this week.

The business, located at 3849 N. Salem Road, was opened by former Razorback swim coach Ed “Coach” Fedosky and his wife Virginia in 1975. Since then, folks from all over the region have learned to swim at the establishment.

Ed passed away in 2016, and after his wife Virginia died the following year, his daughters Kim and Susan took over the family business. Kim has been battling cancer, however, and her health issues led the family to list the land the business for sale last year.

From the letter announcing the closure:

As many of you know, due to Kim’s failing health last winter (poor cancer prognosis) and uncertainty in her ability to continue working, our family decided to put the Fedosky family property on the market with the hopes of leasing back the pool to continue Swim Ranch as long as possible. We recently closed on the sale of the property upon which Swim Ranch sits and the liability is such that it will not be possible for us to lease the property back. Additionally, we do not know that Kim’s health will be sustained; therefore, it was a bittersweet decision that we made to close Swim Ranch.

Our family is truly grateful that God has allowed us to be part of a unique service to the community for 44 years. We are incredibly thankful that we were able to spend this last summer healthy and happy in our work (Susan and Kim love working together). We appreciate each of you for your continued support through your patronage and on a very personal level, we wish each of you the best moving forward.

The letter concludes by pointing to a YouTube video shot during the last two days the Swim Ranch was open last summer. It is embedded below.

The Swim Ranch


On a personal note, I earned my fish at the Swim Ranch as a kid way back in the early 90s. My two children were working on theirs as well. I have some great memories at the establishment, as we’re sure others do as well. Best wishes to Kim, Susan and the rest of the Fedosky family on your future endeavors.