“It was very sad when pools were closed and we’ve seen a regression from kids not having access to pools,” said Robin Chambers, who is the pool’s aquatic supervisor and program specialist.
“We’ll still offer reduced capacity for swimming lesson classes, just so we keep our numbers small, along with the instructor,” said Chambers. “We offer private lessons, but then our other classes, our group classes, have a maximum of four students with the instructor.”
According to Anoka-Hennepin Community Education officials, the renovations in 2018 involved new signage (in all areas of the pool, lobby, changing, and locker rooms), replacement of aquatic equipment, updated drinking fountains, a dedicated family changing room, and added programs to appeal to more people in the community. That resulted in the district’s community education program receiving a National Golden Achievement Award from the National School Public Relations Association.
Chambers said she’s glad to help offer programs for swimmers of all ages and ability levels, including adults.
“I frequently hear from parents who want to get their kids into swimming lessons but didn’t (at younger ages),” said Chambers. “They just felt terrible about themselves, so we began offering teenaged beginning swim classes.”
She said kids need structured instruction to complement recreational opportunities for the best outcomes.
“They might have been in the lake last summer, but they weren’t in any organized classes, and to get them back into the pool, back into working on their skills and really progressing,” she said. “It’s amazing.”
To see what’s available through community education at Roosevelt, click here.
