PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — “Swim into Spring,” the latest event sponsored by The Aroostook Medical Center as part of the Fit & Fun series, got off to a great start Sunday, March 6, at the indoor pool at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Gentile Hall.
The low-cost community health initiative will continue every Sunday throughout the month.
“A huge thank you to the lifeguards and the rest of the amazing staff of this great facility who made our first Swim into Spring session a huge success,” said Jamie Guerrette, community engagement specialist at TAMC.
Swim into Spring is part of the community-wide Fit & Fun series, supported and promoted by TAMC as part of the hospital’s commitment to community health, particularly in providing low-cost, easily accessible and enjoyable activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. Every Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. throughout March, kids can swim for only $1, while adults may enter for $2.
A total of 140 swimmers enjoyed the pool March 6, and because there is a limit of 80 people in the pool at any one time, many brought sneakers and enjoyed time in the gym or on the track while they waited to enter the pool.
Sunday saw an intersection of activities. “It was exciting to see many of our Couch to 5Kers at Gentile to walk or run as well,” Guerrette said. “There were no problems. Many people from the community came to the pool for the first time and we had another 15 people check in just as spectators.”
Cheri Ouellette of Presque Isle, who typically walks the track at Gentile, brought her teenage son and her granddaughter to swim. “We loved having the chance to participate in a very affordable community event that allows us to have fun and maybe see a facility that was not accessible otherwise. It was truly a great time,” Ouellette said.
Guerrette says it was great to see so many people taking advantage of the reduced fee and that those that are looking for a quieter time to swim might benefit from coming a bit later in the afternoon.
“We are very pleased with the turnout and are excited for next Sunday,” she said.
An adult must be present for all children 13 and under, and parents must sign a liability form.
A full listing of Fit & Fun activities can be found at www.tamc.org. Organizations that would like to add an event to the Fit & Fun schedule can do so by contacting Guerrette at jguerrette@tamc.org or (207) 768-4008.
