A Message from the P&R Director

Message from the Director of Parks and Recreation

The Parks and Recreation department is so thrilled to see the life and enthusiasm that the pool brings to the facility. The classes are going well and have high enrollment. Additionally we are getting a solid slew of folks joining us for Lap Swims. The most popular activity seems to be the General Swims offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (which require multiple staff on deck).

As the article in the Sentinel states the department has lost several certified lifeguards over the course of the pool closure. Four members of the team have departed for a variety of reasons, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. We are anticipating a loss of two more staff in the short term. That leaves the department with four lifeguards on staff. None of those staff hold Parks and Rec as their primary employer. Therefore we need YOU, to come join the 2015 Dream Team!

Based on a limited staff pool and what seems to be a lack of enrollment in the upcoming course, we anticipate limiting the aquatics programming. What does that translate to, you might be asking? We may close for several lap swims and general swims each week. Additionally, we will not deploy Nessie until we have a full crew of staff (4/5) on deck for Friday nights.

As the Director, I understand the complexities of building a strong, reliant, successful and supportive team. It takes time, patience, dedication and interest amongst the community and department. We are putting in the work and need to support of Wrangell.  We as a department are asking that if you are  lifeguard certified or interested in receiving a certification to contact the pool facility @ 907-874-2444 to speak with Victoria Martin or Kate Thomas.

Thank You,

Kate Thomas
Director