Dear Lake Superior neighbors,

     We have a lot of exciting things happening at the Rec Center this season.  We have been reaching out to our other health partners in the community and have obtained some generous grants to improve our facility and programming.  Thanks to the Dana & Christopher Reeve Foundation, Memorial Medical Center and the ABC Thrift store, we will be installing a pool lift in October.  This lift will allow handicap access to the shallow end of our pool.  Individuals with walking disabilities can now swim and use the pool for therapy and exercise.  Thanks to Essentia Health, we are expanding our programs with Red Cliff to include more use by the Family Services, Youth Center, Domestic Violence Program. Mishomis House and Head Start.  Thanks to the Otto Bremer Foundation, we are able to offer First Steps to Fitness.  If you need to start an exercise program, this is how to begin.  A certified personal trainer will evaluate your needs and show you what to do.

     The Otto Bremer Foundation grant has also expanded our financial assistance program.  This fund offers low-income families a scholarship to afford a Rec Center membership, for as little as $13 for a family.  Thanks to Bremer, we will now apply the scholarship fund to classes and programs, including Swim Lessons, Martial Arts, Swim Team, First Steps to Fitness, Nutrition, Boot Camp, Indoor Cycling and more.  Now there is no reason to stay on the couch.  Call the Rec Center to apply for financial aid, and sign up for a class today!

     Finally, thank you to the many sponsors, donors and volunteers who contributed to the Point to LaPointe Swim.  Once again, the event was a huge success, with 400 swimmers, 60 kayakers and 400 spectators on the ferry boats.  That’s almost 1000 people visiting for the Swim!  We are now planning next year’s Bayfield Winter Festival, and are looking to add more outdoor events like this in the future.  -Scott Armstrong, Executive Director