Former lifeguard stays limber at Creekside Aquatics
Roger Williams feels like Creekside Aquatics is a dream come true. “I never thought I’d live to see the day we had an indoor public pool. It’s quiet, I don’t sweat, and it makes me feel better. Sometimes I even pray while I swim.”
Roger has a health condition that can not get better, but swimming is helping him maintain his health and feel better.
“The outlet of swimming keeps me going. I’ve been swimming since I was a small child. The ‘city’ pool was a motel. I started swimming in the Aquatics Center on Monday after Creekside opened. I’m usually here four days a week. The staff is excellent. I probably average about 600 yards a day. It takes a good bit of time, but that’s OK. I’m more limber. You won’t bulk up with swimming, but it does keep you limber.”
When it opened, he was one of the first lifeguards at the outdoor city pool. In the ‘60s, the pool was where the parking lot is now at the Burlsworth Youth Center.
“Before Creekside Aquatics, I tried swimming in the outdoor pool every morning. Even in June, the water was too cold for me. But at Creekside, that first second into the pool is a little shock, but then it’s just right and a consistent temperature.”
Roger said no one down there is a Greek God. When he swims, it is usually older, retired people, and they are only concerned about their health. “We are just ordinary people going for some exercise.”
“It’s a fantastic facility. I know tax dollars fund it, but it feels like quite a gift for our community.”
What would you say to someone who hasn’t tried the indoor pool yet?
“It’s time to get wet!”