Photo Credit: Courtesy Of World Waterparks Magazine (WWA)
Municipalities nationwide are coming to the realization that simply providing a place for swim lessons and getting wet isn’t what today’s aquatic facilities are all about. Citizens are more savvy, connected, and busier than ever. With endless entertainment and recreation options available elsewhere, cities and their recreation professionals have learned they must step up their game.
What may have once started out as a typical rectangular lap pool with a diving board and “kiddie” pool has morphed into truly engaging and exciting aquatic venues.
Attend practically any city council or recreation board meeting where the subject turns to aquatics and you’ll quickly hear about the importance of learn-to-swim programs. However, you will also hear how increasingly difficult it is to support a financially draining program. What successful councils have found is that, by increasing focus on the recreation and entertainment value offered in their aquatic facility, the old-fashioned town pool can become an exciting new town destination—a place where all age groups and skill levels can have fun, burn some energy, enjoy some thrills, and learn to swim.