Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center Makes Big Splash
Summer fun in Grinnell got cooler this year, literally. On June 2, the new Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center opened with rave reviews by swimmers and splashers of all ages.
“When my son came home and exclaimed, “Mom, that’s a really cool pool!” I knew it was a winner,” said Julie Kingery, who resides in Grinnell and holds a family pass to the aquatic center.
The family aquatic center features a lap pool, lazy river, zero-depth entry, waterslides, and more. Funding the construction was a joint effort between the City of Grinnell, local businesses, corporations, foundations and area residents. In honor of the company’s centennial year, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company pledged $750,000 towards the project, helping the fundraising campaign reach its midway point. In addition to the corporate gift, Grinnell Mutual's employees and corporate foundation generously donated nearly $50,000 to the project.
“The name on the sign explains what it’s all about,” said Grinnell Mutual President and CEO Steve Crawford. “The Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center is about investing in our area’s families. Grinnell Mutual is glad to support our community. It’s part of who we are, both as a company and as a member of the farm mutual insurance industry.”
On a June evening, Grinnell Mutual employees and their families enjoyed a company picnic at Bailey Park followed by a special, after hours swimming session at the aquatic center.
“We thought it was nice. The little ones liked the zero entry and little ship area. Our five-year old liked the lazy river,” said Missy Gaul, a Grinnell Mutual employee.
“There’s a lot of shade and plenty of chairs at the aquatic center. There are patches of grass too, which is unusual for a city pool” commented Kingery, who is also a Grinnell Mutual employee. “I’m proud that our company had a part in it.”
The Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center is open daily from 12:00 to 7:30 p.m. through August 18. There will be additional hours through Labor Day. For rates, call (641) 236-2621 or check online at http://www.grinnelliowa.gov/index.aspx?nid=161.
Attending the grand opening of the Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center are (front) Mairead Brownell, Hannah Behrens, and Chloe Bauman; (back) Lifeguard Manager Heather Agnew, Grinnell Recreation Director Kelly Rose, Grinnell Mutual President and CEO Steve Crawford, Grinnell Mayor Gordon Canfield, and Lifeguard Manager Karri Furness. (Photo courtesy of the Grinnell Herald-Register)
