Forest Park Aquatic Center
I’m commonly asked why I care so much about the Forest Park Aquatic Center? It’s a great question and one that I love answering.
The Forest Park Aquatic Center has been a part of my life for over 30 years. I was 7-years old when I jumped in the 50-meter long competition pool for the first time in 1990. As a first-year member of the Noblesville Swim Club, I remember thinking that first lap would never end!
Growing up in Noblesville, competitive swimming and the Forest Park Aquatic Center provided so many great life lessons. I learned that nothing in this world comes without hard work, lots of practice and unwavering commitment. I learned how to race, compete, and have fun doing so.
In the mid-90s I saw the facility fall into a terrible state of disrepair and was inspired by a group of volunteers that called themselves “The Friends of Central Pool”. The impact this not-for-profit group has had on my life can’t be understated. I witnessed firsthand a group of passionate and committed individuals do something absolutely extraordinary – literally save the Forest Park Aquatic Center from the wrecking ball. Even more amazing, the group has kept doing this for the past 26 years!
I joke that I’ve really only had 2 employers in my life – The Forest Park Aquatic Center and Bastian Solutions. I couldn’t be more fortunate! Just like our Mayor, Chris Jensen, my first job was working at the Forest Park Aquatic Center. Each summer I returned, working as a lifeguard, head lifeguard and eventually as the manger when in college. I credit these summer experiences for propelling my professional career. It was at the Forest Park Aquatic Center that I had the opportunity to learn how to calm a frustrated customer as well as hire, motivate and unfortunately, on a couple occasions, terminate employees. The decisions I made back then may not have always been the right ones, but they provided an unbelievable opportunity for me to learn and develop.
Today I’m as motivated as ever to help the Forest Park Aquatic Center so that others can have the same opportunities that were provided to me. Our community is incredibly lucky to have such an amazing facility and even more fortunate to have an administration and city council that continues to provide unwavering support.
I’m often asked, how can I support the Forest Park Aquatic Center and the Friends of Central Pool? The answer is easy. If you are not already a member, consider purchasing a summer membership. https://www.forestparkpool.org/2022-membership There is no better value in town! If you are already a member or can’t visit enough to justify a membership, consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Friends of Central Pool. I can assure you that each and every dollar goes directly into ensuring this amazing facility continues to be a point of pride for our community.
In just a few days we will usher in the start to the 92nd year of having a swimming pool in beautiful Forest Park. There are very few (if any communities) that have anything close to what we have in the Forest Park Aquatic Center. Here’s to making this summer the best ever!
-Greg Conner President, Friends of Central Pool PO Box 10 Noblesville, IN 46061 www.forestparkpool.org