The goal of any aquatic facility is to serve as many patrons as possible. In an effort to increase attendance, many park and recreation departments and park districts are thinking of new programming ideas to provide fun times at the public pool for patrons and staff.

The traditional rectangular pool with black stripes is slowly being replaced with waterpark style attractions, complete with water slides, wave pools, animal slides, fountains and other play elements. These types of facilities will certainly increase attendance and be an asset to any community. The idea behind these attractions is for family interaction. Dual career family responsibilities leave little quality time to spend with children. With this in mind, activities where families can play together become much more valuable.

It would be nice if all park districts and park or recreation departments had the funds to build these wondrous community aquatic centers. At the same time, public demand for quality and innovation in recreation is escalating while tax revenue sources are shrinking. The fact is many communities that would like to have new facilities cannot afford them. This is where creative programming is utilized to offer exciting and unique recreational opportunities for the pool patrons.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department has always offered a Teen Night and Family Night at their two swimming pools. These nights consisted mainly of open swimming, water basketball and an occasional special event. In an effort to increase attendance and to generate a little enthusiasm and excitement at the pools, Theme Nights were created. They were to be offered two nights per week at each pool, focusing on different themes.

Bloomington hosted a national softball tournament in 1992 using Theme Nights as a way to attract more people to the games. Theme Nights were a success at the tournament and provided an example for expanding this format into the aquatic arena. Staff involvement was crucial to make these events a success. Brain- storming sessions, which included managers and assistant managers from both pools, were conducted. Input was solicited on potential themes for different nights.

Ideas were discussed that would be popular for both the patrons and the staff. It is a fact that if lifeguards enjoy their job, they will make the experience more pleasurable for the patron. It was made clear to the managers that each staff member would work hard to make the Theme Nights a success. A competition between pools was put into effect to judge which pool staff had more creativity and enthusiasm in preparing and administering a Theme Night, Thus, the traveling "Aquatic Achievement Award" was created. The award was presented at the end of the season and proudly displayed in the lobby of the victorious pool.

Each Theme Night became more and more a competition for excellence and creativity. One Theme Night was called "Caribbean Summer Night." Each staff member dressed in their parrothead costumes with Jimmy Buffett/Caribbean music playing and palm trees swaying. Each person was given a ticket as they entered the pool for the drawing of Buffett tapes and a Caribbean video. A coconut relay and limbo contest were some of the activities planned for the evening. The next night, "Caribbean Summer Nights" was offered at the pool on the other side of town. It was not uncommon for each staff to steal creative ideas from the other. This made for a healthy competition that increased the quality of these events. Keep in mind, safety was and always will be the most important aspect of these events. Safety, combined with a pleasant staff and a fun atmosphere, makes for an enjoyable evening.

Theme Nights included "Walt Disney Night," where classic Disney Cartoons were shown on a screen situated by the pool with

Illinois Parks and Recreation 18 November/December 1993

staff dressed up like Mickey, Goofy and other Disney characters. Another popular night was "Country Music Night," where a local country music radio station broadcasted live at the pool. Here again, staff members that were not lifeguarding would wear cowboy hats and western wear. During "Nostalgia Night," each pool was transformed into a '50s drive-in or sock hop. Yes, Elvis was sighted at the pools on these particular nights!

Programming for teenagers has always been difficult. Theme Nights for teenagers take into account the current trends and fads that are bombarding a young adult life. We have found that music, contemporary movies and sports play an important part in the life of a teenager. This is why Theme Nights for teenagers included a "Rapper Night," with an open mike. Rap music was provided by an anti-drug, anti-gang rap music group. It was interesting to see local rappers come out to the pool for an opportunity to perform their music. "Top 40 Night" was another popular night, where a local disc jockey had a live broadcast at the pool and gave away CDs, t-shirts and other items. A special night was offered for teens and families to see the popular movie "Wayne's World." The highlight of the evening was a Wayne and Garth look-alike contest. Key staff members dressed up like Wayne and Garth, and prizes were awarded to the patrons that most resembled the stars of the movie. Parents have responded favorably to our attempt to offer these types of programs which help provide positive activities for this ever-changing age group.

The pools' most popular Theme Night was "Christmas in July." You may think offering a Christmas event in July is silly. It is silly and fun, and most everyone likes the feelings associated with Christmas. Parents and children enjoyed the Christmas music, decorations, trees, lights and snow. The kids especially enjoyed the visit from the "big guy" himself, who graciously distributed candy and visited with everyone out on the deck.

Each week the patrons wondered what the staff would create next. Soon the word spread that something different was happen- ing at the pools. This type of programming was so popular that Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department plans to offer Theme Days at the Miller Park Beach operation. In 1993, the attendance for Teen/Family Nights increased 59% from the previous year. The healthy competition between staff increased morale and creative thinking, resulting in higher quality and productivity.

Yes, every community would like to have a waterpark with awesome attractions. However, until your community is able to go forward with this type of development, you may want to offer some creative programming to attract as many residents as possible. Recreational swimming, swim lessons, aquatic special interest classes and special events such as Theme Nights may be enough evidence to justify a new facility in your community. Eighteen Theme Nights were offered in 1993, and new Theme Nights will be offered in 1994. If you would like information on organizing these programs, feel free to contact Randy Ralston at (309) 823-4260.

About the Author
Randy Ralston is Community Programs and Aquatics Specialist for the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. He also serves as Director of the Recreation Programming Section.