The Lakewood Recreation Department, located near the gymnasium at Lakewood High School, is responsible for a wide range of activities throughout the Lakewood community. From running youth and adult sports, maintaining the fitness facility at LHS, and operating and maintaining the community pools, to providing community programs, the Lakewood Rec Department plays an important role in bringing the community together and making Lakewood fun.
Those in the Lakewood Rec work hard year-round to be able to provide so many opportunities for those in the community, but one of their biggest and busiest seasons is the summer season. During this time, children are out of school and looking for activities to fill their summer with their families. Because of this, one of the bigger opportunities the Rec provides is its community pools.
“We oversee all of the swimming and the operations at the pool at Lakewood High School, the pool at Lakewood Park, and the pool at Madison Park,” Aquatics Director Matt Demaline said.
While the pools aren’t the only thing the Rec department is in charge of, they’re a very important part of the community, as the pools provide a fun space to enjoy time with friends and family. They are also used for educational and competitive purposes.
“[The pools] play an important role, from the students up here at LHS having the opportunity to swim as part of their physical education program, to the use of the high school athletic department, primarily in the swimming and diving team,” Demaline said.
The pools also provide opportunities like swim lessons, birthday parties, and water polo as a way to include those of different ages and swimming abilities.
Youth and adult athletics also play a vital role in the Lakewood community and are a great opportunity provided by the Rec department. “Our athletics…include adult softball, adult kickball, [and] adult basketball. For the youth, it includes youth baseball, softball, youth football, and youth basketball,” Athletics Director Mitchell Robida said.
Athletics are important for both the youth and adults, as sports help one stay active and be able to move their body throughout the week. “Youth sports and other activities are very important. We want everybody to participate, and you know it kind of takes your mind off of school, and gives you a little break,” Robida said. “It allows you to burn off some stress, some anxiety, and allows you to get away for a little.”
Not only are athletics important for the individual person, but they’re also good for having a team and bonding with others. Athletics create a sense of community and belonging, no matter what age you are. “It gets everybody together. It gives them something common to work for. Even with adults, there’s an aspect of teamwork. And you build lasting friendships,” Robida said.
Along with maintaining the pools and athletic programs, the Rec department also runs a variety of camps, like Safety Town and special needs programs, to make sure there are plenty of opportunities for everyone.
Because the Rec oversees so many programs and parts of Lakewood, they have to have a large staff who are willing and ready to serve their community. The Rec has been one of the top employers of high school students, allowing teenagers to gain real job experience to add to their resume before they go off to college. Some of the positions they hire include lifeguards, program leaders, and field maintenance staff.
“I think the job as a lifeguard or learn-to-swim instructor is crucial for teens to learn how to balance school, and also an important job that serves others,” Senior Lifeguard Grace Lowmiller said. “You aren’t just watching the water as a lifeguard, you’re watching each individual patron to make sure that they are safe and respectful to others. As a teenager myself, it really has helped me get out of my shell.”
The Lakewood Rec Department’s dedication to providing a wide range of fun programs and opportunities has had a lasting impact on the Lakewood community, giving residents a strong and lively community that many are proud to call home.
