Fun in the sun: Cooler temps don’t put a damper on swimming season

GRUNDY COUNTY – Since the beginning of this year’s swimming season, the weather has proved to be an unpredictable factor for local aquatic centers. Temperatures swung from unseasonably hot to unseasonably chilly in a matter of days, but local swimmers have proved to be resilient, showing out to swim despite the less-than-perfect conditions.
In Grundy Center, pool manager Heather Stumberg says attendance has been very good so far this year, despite chillier temperatures the last week or so.
“The first couple of weekends we were open it was just packed because it was so hot, and then last week things kind of slowed down a little because of the weather, but we’ve been pretty lucky so far,” she said. “We’ve got a great pool, and I think we’ve had a really good amount of people coming in.”
Stumberg says they’ve had to close the pool a few times so far due to cooler temps – the pool wont open if it’s below 70 degrees – but other than that, they haven’t run into any issues.
In Conrad, the Aquatic Center has had one of its busiest summers in some time: Manager Gina Dinsmore said that while she isn’t exactly sure why, she’s excited nonetheless.
“I think they’re just having a blast at the pool,” Dinsmore said. “The weather has been very cooperative, which is great.”
The pool is offering Aquacize aerobics, swimming lessons and private pool parties, which have all been a big draw, and there are 18 lifeguards employed.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the aquatic center’s original opening in 1997. Dinsmore has been the manager since 2011, and in her words, the kids are what keep her coming back. 
For the full story, see this week's Grundy Register.