MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Corps Community Services Aquatics Program received the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2006 Excellence in Aquatics Award, Jan. 26.
Every year the association gives out awards to the best parks and pools in America and on U.S. military bases. The Iwakuni program won the military aquatics category, competing against other bases around the world.
“This is one of the most prestigious awards offered in our (aquatics) field,” said Kari Hemund, MCCS Aquatics director and native of Elkhart, Ind. “It’s good to be recognized nationally for all of the hard work that we do – we aren’t just lifeguards sitting in the sun. We have a good program and offer a lot to the community.”
According to the NRPA’s official website, NRPA advocates the importance of thriving local park systems and supports the opportunity for all Americans to lead healthy and active lifestyles by helping preserve great community places.
MCCS Aquatics was recognized as a whole for all of the programs it offers to Iwakuni residents which includes: an indoor pool, swimming lessons, a scuba locker and aqua aerobic classes among others.
“Everything contributed to the award,” said Hemund. “We have a lot of quality programs our community takes advantage of. (There is) something for everyone, from toys in the pool to lanes for competitive swimmers. We offer something for each age group.”
According to Hemund, one of the reasons the MCCS Aquatics won the award was because of everyone’s hard work and contribution to the program. Being located on an overseas installation, personnel in the program had to hone their skills in taking advantage of what resources and help they could use.
“They (MCCS Aquatics personnel) are often understaffed but always manage to provide quality services and programs,” said Robert E. Johnston, MCCS Semper Fit chief and native of Galesburg, Ill.
“I don’t think a lot of people realize the programming that goes into the (Aquatics Program) on bases overseas,” added Hemund. “We do a lot more for our community than public pools. We were able to show them the hard work that goes into our operations.”
Alan M. Weil, MCCS Aquatics assistant and native of Washington D.C said they had to instill extra effort into the program to make it a base ‘one stop shop.’
“It is like a private country club, yet free of charge,” said Weil.
For many station residents, who utilize the Aquatics Program in the IronWorks Gym, recognition for their superior performance did not come as a surprise
“The scuba locker is one of the best that I have had the opportunity to work with,” said Scott Rich, scuba diving enthusiast and native of Seattle. “It’s an amazing program and what makes it so great are the people who work there. They are caring and friendly, and work with the diver’s needs.”
Johnston agreed, “I’m extremely proud of our Aquatics staff and the work they do for our community. I’m sure there was a lot of competition for this award and many other deserving programs from various installations.”
Hemund says she is proud and feels appreciated for all of the hard work everyone put into the program, but says there is still room for improvement.
“There are always new ways to improve and new programs,” said Hemund. “We are not perfect by any means, but that’s where we strive to get to.”