Right On Target
Aquatic programming fires on all cylinders at Elk Grove PAC
By Diane Malinowski
Photos: Elk Grove Park District
Located at the Jack A. Claes Pavilion in Elk Grove, Ill., the Pavilion Aquatics Center (PAC) is a facility of the Elk Grove Park District. From April 2013 to February 2014, the PAC underwent a $9-million renovation:
The addition of a warm-water therapy pool
An expanded eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool with diving area
An updated zero-depth pool
A reconfigured six-lane, 25-yard outdoor pool, whirlpool, and steam room.
Since 2014, we are past the hit-or-miss stage and have moved on to a fluid system that provides excellent aquatic programming. Here are some things we’ve learned along the way.
We know how to program.
We have been able to maintain 15 hours of programming per week between the lap-pool classes and the warm-water pool classes. There are 50 hours of public hours per week in the two pools. The lap pool allows seven hours of open swim and 37 hours of lap-swimming per week. According to a 2016 Residents Survey Findings Report, 50 percent of the respondents replied that a lap pool was important, and 55 percent said a leisure pool was important. Both pools were preferred after a fitness center and walking track. We are confident that we are meeting the needs of our patrons.
We serve and attract all age groups.
The public hours take care of the lap swimmers and the patrons who enjoy a recreational experience. The lap pool is home to the Elk Grove Park District Stingrays Swim Team. The zero-depth pool and lap pool satisfy the demand for swim lessons. That leaves us with programming the pools to attract new patrons and satisfy current users. We promote aqua-wellness and provide specialty classes and various levels of intensity throughout the schedules. The trends we found in aqua-wellness focus on core strength. Water engages the core for a full-body exercise. The water is ideal for less impact or no impact on the joints. The high-intensity classes are held in the lap pool. We have Power Splash that employs a shallow-water workout focused on cardio strengthening and strength training. Our Deep Dynamics class is a deep-water workout that combines cardio exercises and weight training using buoyancy belts. The warm-water pool works better for flexibility and strength. The Splashing Seniors class is low impact and focuses on balance, strength, and endurance. The Arthritis Foundation Aqua Therapy class is suitable for all fitness levels. It is a misconception that only older adults find warm-water workouts attractive. Our Flex and Flow class attracts a younger age group, combining Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi. Flex and Flow uses a series of exercises for flexibility, motion, and breathing. In order to increase the aqua-wellness attendance, we offer trial programs. The H2O Boot Camp and Aqua Fusion classes began as trials and led to weekly class offerings. H2O offers a high-intensity workout, and Aqua Fusion is a full-body, water-resistance workout.
We know what works well in aquatic classes.
Choosing exercises that can be altered for intensity and ability is a must. Choose equipment that can be used for a variety of exercises rather than one intended movement. Think of creative uses for equipment you may already own. For example, kickboards aren’t only used for improving swimming technique; they can be used to create resistance and build muscle. Specialty equipment can be expensive and may only work for one or two types of movement. Find alternatives. Even at a discount store, you can find balls for resistance and water noodles for stretching. Have several lesson plans available and choose the one that best fits participants for that day.
We have identified what doesn’t work well.
Choose class names and descriptions that actually tell the participants what to expect. The Splashin’ Seniors gives a good indication of the demographic the class is geared towards. Classes that are too specific tend to limit attendance. The Deep Dynamics class features a deep-water workout. The class description states that shallow-water adaptation is available to encourage all to attend. Consider the facility’s limitations. Do deep or shallow ends or lanes limit what you can accommodate? Does your facility have any special features? Railings and poolside areas can incorporate a water-land combo workout. A warm-water pool is good for Aqua Yoga for muscle conditioning. Cooler water in the lap pool is best for high-intensity aerobics, such as the H2O Boot Camp.
We have established annual special events.
In spring, there is a Swim with the Bunny event, and in October, there is an H2oooo Halloween event. There is an Aquatics Parents Night Out, where children are dropped off, supervised, and entertained for three hours. In summer, there is a Dive-In Movie at the outdoor pool. Fitness trends in aquatics have allowed us to turn promotions into annual events and specialized classes. The 5K special event in the lap pool attracts competitive runners and people training for marathons. To encourage swimmers of all ages to accept a challenge, we created the Mile Swim. In addition to traditional marketing, the swim was promoted to the swim team, and was filled with families and young swimmers.
We provide a payment structure that allows for varied budgets.
In order to encourage attendance, we have created levels of financial commitment to fit users’ needs. There is a 12-month membership for individuals, families, and seniors. The annual pass holders receive discounted rates on all aquatic programs, such as swim lessons and special events. There are, of course, daily admission fees, and a 10 Splash Pass is offered that gives a discount on 10 daily admissions. Aqua-wellness classes are charged separately in addition to the 12-month membership. There is a choice of paying per class or choosing a 10- or 20-class pass. The pools are also an amenity of the Pavilion Fitness Center membership. The fitness center is located in the same facility. Fitness members have access to the public open-swim hours. Many fitness members purchase the additional aqua-wellness class passes.
To strengthen our commitment to aquatic health and recreation, we hire for professionalism and a progressive culture. The Elk Grove Park District pays for instructor certification to ensure quality instructors. There is a whole community within a community at PAC. Just ask one of our patrons or staff!
For more information, visit www.elkgroveparks.org.
Diane Malinowski is the Public Relations Manager for the Elk Grove Park District in Elk Grove, Ill. Reach her at dmalinowski@elkgroveparks.org.