The new aquatic director for the Blaine County Recreation District's Hailey facility is hoping to rejuvenate the Wood River Valley's passion for swimming and water-based enjoyment.
New Aquatic Center Director Cameron Randolph is accepting her promotion with open arms and high expectations. Prior to her appointment, Randolph was coach of the Wood River Dolphins swim team.
"I am just thrilled for this opportunity," Randolph said. "I want to make sure the swim school is meeting all the kids' needs and living up to the expectations of the parents."
Randolph, a former collegiate swimmer for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and world triathlon champion in 1997, has a well of aquatic experience from which to draw.
"I am very passionate about the water, and even though our aquatic classes are already strong I know we can bring up the quality of all our programs," Randolph said.
Along with the new course set by Randolph, the district will also benefit from the addition of new swim coach Dennis Donovan. Donovan is a former swim coach for the Zenergy fitness center in Ketchum.
He "will be a great addition to our team," Randolph said.
One new program geared more toward entertainment and less toward muscle development is "Float and Flicks." This program will feature family movies on a large screen TV adjacent to the pool, and families will be welcome to hop in an inner tube and soak up a movie.
"We really want to broaden our scope at the pool," Randolph said.
Other notable programs include the Mommy/Daddy & Me, the Little Tikes Splash and Play, the Aquarobics and the Master's Swim Team.
The Mommy/Daddy and Me is designed to immerse, literally, kids between the ages of 6 months and three years in the water while providing a safe and comfortable atmosphere for their first aqua immersion.
The Little Tikes Splash and Play is an extension of the district's winter program, which brings kids in from the cold and provides toys in the Community Campus gym.
"We are looking to carry the success of our winter program over to the pool for the summer," Randolph said.
Aquarobics is a long-standing program at the Aquatic Center with a "dedicated group of ladies who attend," Randolph said. This summer the low impact exercise program for swimmers of all ages has added Friday evening to its schedule.
The Masters Swim Team is available to anyone over 18 years of age.
But don't let the name fool you.
"You don't have to be a great swimmer to take part," Randolph said. "Whether you are a former collegiate swimmer or just looking to improve your technique, the masters program is perfect for you. We are really looking to get more adults involved. We don't want it to be an intimidating thing."
These are only a few of the programs scheduled for this summer.
"We really do have a program for everyone," Randolph said.
For more information, visit the Aquatic Center Web site at bcrd.org.
Cameron Randolph is excited to head the Blaine County Recreation District?s Aquatic Center and is looking to improve and increase the scope of the district?s water-based programs. Photo by David N. Seelig
