UG Parks and Recreation Recognized for Outstanding Aquatic Program

Published on February 01, 2023

The statewide award recognizes the impact of a collaborative effort to champion health equity through water safety and access to aquatics.

On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association honored the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Department of Parks and Recreation with its annual Outstanding Aquatic Branch Program Award for the 2022 Parkwood Pool Learn to Swim Program. Presented at the Midwest Regional Park & Recreation Conference, this award recognizes the culmination of a multi-partner collaboration to provide local children with access to swimming lessons in an area with some of the worst health outcomes in the state of Kansas. 

The Unified Government partnered in 2022 with the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS), the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, and the Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (G.E.H.A.) to provide 200 students with free swim lessons at Parkwood Pool, the only public pool in Kansas City, Kansas. Over two different sessions, students participate in four-day instructional sessions to gain lifesaving skills to prevent drowning. Funding from fiscal sponsor G.E.H.A. also ensured that all participants were equipped with required gear, including swimsuits, goggles, towels, and sunscreen.

"Ensuring our community has equitable recreation opportunities is at the forefront of our core values," said Department Director Angel Ferrera. "We are grateful to our community partners GEHA, YMCA and KCKPS who helped make the Learn to Swim Program possible. More importantly, we appreciate their support for breaking down barriers and meeting our community where they are. It is an honor to be recognized for KRPA's Outstanding Aquatic Program Award and we look forward to the continued partnership in service to our community."

The USA Swimming Foundation reports that 79% of children in families with a household income of less than $50,000 have little to no swimming skills. More than 65% of African American children would like to swim more than they do. Notably, 38% of the participants in the Parkwood Pool Learn to Swim Program had never been submerged in the water prior to these lessons. Through this program, 100% of students improved their water safety abilities and gained confidence in submerging.

"Nearly 64% of African American children in the United States have lot or no swimming ability. As a local organization dedicated to health and wellness, it is vital that we help improve this statistic through continued support of programming such as the Learn to Swim Program," said G.E.H.A. President and Chief Executive Officer Arthur A. Nizza, DSW. "We're honored the program has been recognized, underpinning our commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve."

“This partnership shows the impact we can have when we work together for our community. In Wyandotte County, we are tired of our youth dying from drowning. It is not ok that our children have a higher likelihood of drowning because of where they live, the color of their skin, or their access to a pool. This has to change,” said YMCA Aquatics Program Director Sabrah Parsons. “Our partnership is choosing to empower our youth with the lifesaving knowledge they need to avoid dangerous situations in the water. In addition, how to rescue not only themselves but also others when needed. Too many lives have been lost. We are choosing to work against the social, economic, and racial barriers that endanger our youth. We want to empower them to find the joy in swimming safely and take that with them for a lifetime.”  

The Parkwood Pool Learn to Swim Program is now a part of the Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program, Presented by G.E.H.A., will continue in June and July of the 2023 summer season.

Congratulations to the Parks & Recreation team and our community partners!