It’s New Year’s Eve, and tomorrow, 2015 will begin….

Very soon, the holidays will be a sweet memory; and lessons from last year will begin processing, resulting in new resolve…  It’s time to get going!  PAC couldn’t be better, and Staff are ready and excited to invite you to “SHARE THE FUN!” as we launch the new year.  We have chosen this as our 2015 theme because it really says what we believe is important.  When we share something with someone else, we become more convinced of it ourselves…and fun is just about as contagious as it gets!  PAC exists for YOU, the Stakeholder, Patron and Valued Customer.  And the PAC Staff is here to help you and yours have the best year yet. 

Come join us in 2015 for more fitness, recreation, sport and play. 

Together, let’s “SHARE THE FUN!”  

JJ Huntley

I Pause to Say Thanks...

Every time I approach PAC’s entryway, I pause…in awe for the opportunity to work in an amazing place with wonderful people, whose mission it is to enhance the quality of life for all area residents.  And what better time than the Thanksgiving holiday to publicly express that gratitude.

During this holiday season, the staff reaffirms its desire to make PAC the place the community cannot imagine living without.  As public servants, our goal is to assess your leisure and recreational needs and wishes, and to accommodate them to the best of our ability. 

To that end, we are asking you to participate in an ALL STAKEHOLDER SURVEY--- NOW through the end of December.  If you receive mail from the Pinedale, Daniel, Boulder and Cora post offices, you will receive a survey postcard in your mailbox.  Upon returning a completed postcard survey to PAC Guest Services, we thank you with a free day pass.  Or, you can take the survey on line and simply print your free day pass. 

The PAC Survey link is:

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ea586x07i2mhtenk/start

 

Here are some facts about PAC you may or may not know….

·        -- 1^st Friday of each month is FREE for YOUTH (ages 18 and under)

·         --2^nd Sunday of each month if FREE for FAMILIES (max of 2 adults w/ children)

·        -- Youth under the age of 6 are FREE EVERYDAY

·         --Senior Adults are FREE every Mon/Wed/Fri from 5am – 12pm (ages 60+)

·         --Super Seniors (age 80+) are FREE for LIFE!

·        -- Youth receive ½ price admission on all No School Days (during the school year)

·         --PAC offers both activity and membership scholarships for qualifying participants

·         --PAC offers various party packages including swimming, climbing, bounce house, nerf, and laser tag

·         --And much, much more….!

PAC belongs to the community and is YOUR place; help us be the best we can be by completing the ALL STAKEHOLDER SURVEY, either electronically or hardcopy.  Your input matters!

In gratitude for our amazing community,

JJ Huntley

Winter has Come!

As the thermometer plummeted, so did the ease of an outside construction project.  Equipment resists running and steel is cold, really cold….  So when the snow started to fall, it came with a sense of hope that the temperature would moderate, and it has.

It is estimated that the first decking (floor) will be poured sometime the week of November 17^th.  After the second deck is poured (probably after Thanksgiving), the site will be tented and heated so building progress can continue. The RainStore System that will ensure adequate drainage for the site will be installed imminently as well.

Snow removal will be an added winter construction challenge for HOGAN.  The Pinedale High School parking lot has already been compromised by the construction staging area, and it leaves no room for auxiliary snow piles.  So, snow will be plowed and hauled off.

In addition to construction progress, PAC Staff have generated an all STAKEHOLDER SURVEY that will be unveiled very soon.  The survey will arrive in all the mailboxes of the surrounding communities, including Daniel, Cora, Pinedale, and Boulder, and will be available online.  Our “thank you” for filling out this short survey will be a free day pass to PAC.  By filling out this survey, the community will allow us to serve them better.  PAC belongs to the community, YOU and it is YOUR place.  Help us be the best we can be.  With your input, we are becoming and will remain the place our community cannot imagine living without!  

And very soon we will be launching our 2015 theme of “SHARE THE FUN!”  PAC joins the rest of the business community in celebrating a “Mountain Man Christmas,” beginning Saturday, December 13^th.  From the 13th through January 15^th, we will offer a 10% discount on PAC Gift Cards.  Not only is this a great gift giving idea for friends and family, it is a wonderful time to invest in yourself… Make this the season to decide to accept the PAC challenge and to “Share the Fun!” 

   

AND THE WEATHER COOPERATES!

These mild, pleasant fall days have been welcomed and appreciated by the Hogan Construction team as they work on the new PAC addition.  These photos will show you the progress being made. 

This is the view from the southeast corner of the PAC gymnasium roof.

Looking down from the roof level all the way to the  basement!

Moving along the roof line, getting the view down below....

Perspective from the Pinedale High School parking lot on Tyler Avenue

STEEL and the HAUNTING....

Both can be chilling, and so they were for the Pinedale Aquatic Center this week.

Big ribs of steel arrived on site early in the week, along with the giant WAGSTAFF crane that would strategically place them.  By Thursday, the 22^nd, the vertical and horizontal placement of these enormous beams has given us increased dimension to the evolving addition.  Views from the roof and the high school parking lot (shown here) illustrate this progress.

Meanwhile, as the beams were being placed, preparation for the annual HAUNTING was frenetically taking place inside the darkened PAC gymnasium, and the event debuted Thursday evening the 23^rd, hosting over 250 people. 

On Friday night (after this writing), PAC will host an equal or bigger crowd of eager thrill seekers to bravely find their way through the (very) haunted maze.  This event is the single largest fundraiser at PAC and raises money for the scholarship fund.  This fund allows eligible youth, adults, and families to take advantage of what PAC has to offer.  From memberships to activity registrations, PAC scholarship monies encourage participation in healthy, fun, skill building activity.

PAC Staff and community volunteers join together to make this annual Halloween event a big hit with the young (not recommended for those under 8) to the mature thrill seeker.  The shock, squeals, screams and shivers are a testament to the creativity of our staff, infused with the energy and excitement of those willing to volunteer their time for this fun (and worthy) cause. 

As our facility expands its walls by embracing the new addition, we foresee even more activities and events that will thrill our stakeholders.  By mid-spring, we will celebrate the completion of the addition and welcome our community in to enjoy all we have to offer! 

 

           

                             

                                        

3A West Conference Swim Meet

It's a great opportunity for PAC to host the 3A West Conference Swim Meet this weekend!
Six teams have come to compete:  Kemmerer, Powell, Lander, Lyman, Jackson, and the HOME TEAM, Sublette.
 
If you happen to be reading this blog as it is being posted (Sat., the 18th at 11am), you can jump on http://cube.sub1.org to watch the live stream of the meet.

Entering the competition pool area, the electricity is palpable, with swimmers taking their places for an edgy start, or promenading up to the starting blocks being cheered by their teammates, or stepping up on the podium after an awesome swim during this finals day of the meet.

Parents are perched on the upper level bleachers with a great view of the entire pool area below. Cameras and ipads are clicking pictures or taking vidoes for happy review later....

Concessions are keeping folks well fed in the PAC lobby, and the leisure pool is still open for business for accompanying family members during this two day swimming and diving experience.

Meets like this take everyone.

First its the swimmers and divers and their coaches that train for weeks (months!) to be ready for such a competition.  And, of course, the parents who are the most loyal supporters of all.
Then, to make it happen, a multitude of other cogs in the wheel start to turn...from the Aquatic Department at PAC (meet management, lifeguarding, pool set up, heat sheet management, crowd control, etc), to community volunteers who time and run the electronic meet management equipment, to the officials who often travel distances, and of course, the school district athletic director who was responsible for putting the calendar together in the first place and who ensures that hospitality is present for the visiting team coaches, bus drivers, and all meet personnel.

I am so proud of the girls, their parents, their friends and their COMMUNITY that make an event like this happen!

Here's to excellence in achievement and the knowledge that it takes a village!

First Floor is poured!

Despite Pinedale's rainy weather, a first floor has been poured for the basement level of our new construction!

And, a ramp constructed for safe emergency egress out of the west gymnasium door...

Steel will be arriving soon for the next level and then second floor pour....stay tuned!

The Walls Go Up!

As of September 26th.....

We're anticipating a floor pour this coming week....stay tuned for Oct. 3rd!

Week by Week from the Roof....

And the second pour happens Monday, the 22nd.  Stay tuned....!

Thoughts from the Director....

Our state-wide professional parent organization, the WYOMING RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION, celebrates its 50^th anniversary September 21-24 at a special conference in Jackson Hole, entitled “Together Toward Tomorrow Creating New Traditions.” This conference title implies a shared history, along with a goal statement, that acknowledges solidarity to create something new…better…for the future. This is not unlike PAC’s new addition, now under construction.  The school district, along with PAC Staff & stakeholder support, is building for the future of leisure and recreational services within an appreciative community. PAC is the epitome of ‘new traditions,’ and we’re only getting started.  I am proud, and humbled at the same time, to be part of this forward thinking enhancement to PAC. Our mandate is simple…continue to serve our community better and better…  Our national professional network, the NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION, regularly discusses the benefits of advocacy to promote a worthy project or initiative.  It is the desire of PAC Staff to be diligent in supplying open and regular communication and education to our stakeholders, providing the facts about PAC, its programs and operational accountability; so that our new addition is an example of building for our community’s future, not only in program opportunities, but also in relationships.  People coming together will always be where the strength lies and where success follows.  PAC is committed.

Our construction progress from the roof on September 12th:

And from the gymnasium south doorway:

View from the roof on September 6th....

PAC New Construction Update

Updated---August 29, 2014

 Construction is on track and our anticipated occupation date is still early spring 2015. 

Our nearly 8000 square foot addition will be at all three PAC levels.  Basement space includes freight entry, file storage, 2 offices and equipment storage.  At the gymnasium level, there will be a vestibule with south-side egress that will include restrooms and a water fountain and much needed storage space for PAC supplies and equipment.  Opening off of the track at PAC’s second level, there will be a large studio room, capable of being divided into two functional spaces.  There will also be a small fitness equipment storage room adjacent to this second story activity space. 

PAC Staff anticipate close to 100,000 total visits in 2014, surpassing 2013’s total of 95,500 visits.  We know this additional storage and program space will greatly enhance patron satisfaction, as more of what the community wants will be available.  Youth and adult activities will be concurrently facilitated during our prime time after school and evening times of the day.  And, equipment will be safely stored out of the way of activity areas.  This will ensure a safer, tidier environment.

We are proud to be able to offer our stakeholders this essential addition to PAC, knowing it will improve our current programs and ensure safe and effective classes, activities and special events far into the future.

 

Look for all our construction updates and activity information on www.pinedaleaquatic.com and the PAC Facebook page.  And, feel free to call at 367-2832 to ask any questions you may have.  Do not hesitate to contact me at:  jhuntley@pinedaleaquatic.com.

Our brand new FALL ACTIVITY GUIDES are in!  Get yours at Guest Services, or view online.  Register now---online, or in person, and remember to attend the FALL EXPO, hosted Sept. 3^rd from 3:30-6:30pm by BOCES, to hear EVERYTHING that is going on for kids and families in the community, September through December.

This is an exciting season at PAC---we continue to welcome you in to ACCEPT THE PAC CHALLENGE!  Our new incentives this fall include “Fitness Bingo,” the “Daily Fitness Plan,” the “Upper Green Current Channel Challenge”, “Wyoming Youth Workout,” and “Dance 101.”  These, in addition to the return of open boating in the competition pool on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:45-8:30pm, and the addition of “Aqua ZUMBA,” and “ZUMBA Step” in the fitness class line-up.  “Core Care,” and “Cycling & Core” are two of our new dry-land fitness classes, and “Current Channel Interval” is one of the new aquatic offerings this fall. Our other fall favorites are back, too, including Coed Volleyball League!

CHALLENGE YOURSELF to step up the fun in your life this fall.  We’re here to help you do it!

As always, PAC strives to make a difference in the community; and to always serve you better.

Excited to see you---

JJ Huntley

PAC EXPANDS…

Construction Update---August 22, 2014

It’s been several weeks since I shared the groundbreaking of the new south-side addition at PAC.  See the photo to view construction progress!

Construction is on track and our anticipated occupation date is still early spring 2015. 

Our nearly 8000 square foot addition will be at all three PAC levels.  Basement space includes freight entry, file storage, 2 offices and equipment storage.  At the gymnasium level, there will be a vestibule with south-side egress that will include restrooms and a water fountain and much needed storage space for PAC supplies and equipment.  Opening off of the track at PAC’s second level, there will be a large studio room, capable of being divided into two functional spaces.  There will also be a small fitness equipment storage room adjacent to this second story activity space. 

PAC Staff anticipate close to 100,000 total visits in 2014, surpassing 2013’s total of 95,500 visits.  We know this additional storage and program space will greatly enhance patron satisfaction, as more of what the community wants will be available.  Youth and adult activities will be concurrently facilitated during our prime time after school and evening times of the day.  And, equipment will be safely stored out of the way of activity areas.  This will ensure a safer, tidier environment.

We are proud to be able to offer our stakeholders this essential addition to PAC, knowing it will improve our current programs and ensure safe and effective classes, activities and special events far into the future.

 

Look for all our construction updates and activity information on www.pinedaleaquatic.com and the PAC Facebook page.  And, feel free to call at 367-2832 to ask any questions you may have.  Do not hesitate to contact me at:  jhuntley@pinedaleaquatic.com.

As always, PAC strives to make a difference in the community; and to always serve you better.

Thank you for being part of it!

JJ Huntley

NEWS FLASH!

PAC EXPANDS…

A Season of Construction Begins

No doubt you’ve noticed that earth has been moved on the south side of the PAC gymnasium?  Or, you may have had your favorite summer PAC parking taken away in the high school parking lot?  Well, the reason is….WE ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

PAC Staff are eagerly anticipating the addition of much needed storage space for all PAC’s supplies and equipment.  This will happen at the basement level of PAC and on the gym level.  A water fountain and restroom will also be added so that participants and spectators of gym activities will have these services closer to the area in which they are engaged. We will also have new activity spaces available on the second level, off of the track.  A large studio room at that level will have the capability of being divided for two different offerings happening simultaneously.  All PAC patrons know how much this will enhance “prime time” classes and activities when both adults and youth are in the building.  

We do not anticipate an interruption of services while construction is taking place.  However, you will notice that the south and west exits from the gymnasium are no longer available for egress.  The gym needs to be exited from the interior door only and then patrons must exit either the main entrance or the east exit door by the elevator.  PAC Staff will assist patrons should there be any questions.

Our anticipated date of occupying our new spaces is late winter/early spring 2015.  We will provide regular construction status updates and will advertise a “ribbon cutting” open house as the date draws near.

Meanwhile, PAC remains OPEN and thriving with LOTS OF ACTIVITIES for you and your family!  As August draws to a close, dates to keep in mind include:

·         FALL ACTIVITY GUIDES will be available August 25^th.

·         REGISTRATION for fall activities begins August 27^th.

·         PAC IS OPEN Labor Day, Sept. 1^st from 9am to 3pm

·         FALL HOURS begin Tuesday, Sept. 2^nd

o    Monday through Friday:  5am – 9pm

o    Saturday:  10am – 6pm

o    Sunday:  12pm – 6pm

·         FALL EXPO in partnership with BOCES will occur at the BOCES building on Wed., Sept. 3^rd

Look for all our construction updates and activity information on www.pinedaleaquatic.com and the PAC Facebook page.  And, feel free to call at 367-2832 to ask any questions you may have.  Do not hesitate to contact me at:  jhuntley@pinedaleaquatic.com.

As always, PAC strives to make a difference in the community; and to be the place none of us can imagine living without!

Thank you for being part of it!

JJ Huntley

SUMMER 2014 at PAC!

PAC NEWS…

“We Challenge You to a Great Summer!”

Summer planning at PAC is complete; the Activity Guide has gone to press; and the burgers for Summer EXPO are in the freezer!  However, the most important ingredient in this recipe will be the PEOPLE that make PAC the community recreation center that it has grown to be! 

Summer will launch officially at PAC on April 30^th from 3:30-6:30pm as we host the annual Summer EXPO.  We encourage all town and county residents to visit our lobby and see all the opportunities for youth and families that exist during our short, but beautiful rocky mountain summer.  PAC, BOCES, 4H and the Library are just four of the agencies and organizations that will be represented at this summer kick-off event.  We hope everyone will attend this free informational event.  EXPO provides face to face visits with program providers, opportunities to ask questions and register for programs, all the while enjoying a light supper meal.

To let you know how we’re doing….PAC broke its own record for attendance in January by hosting over 10,000 visits in a single month!  We are very proud to accommodate all ages in our classes, activities and special events, especially this year as we strive to motivate our patrons to “Accept the PAC Challenge!”  That includes summer….

Beginning with the IRON MAN Challenge late last fall, folks got warmed up to participate in our annual PINEDALE INDOOR TRIATHLON in January.  By then, many folks were signed up to swim their twenty-two miles for the FREMONT LAKE CHALLENGE; followed by our current WIND RIVER AND WYOMING RANGE BIKE CHALLENGE that (virtually) winds 235 miles through scenic Wyoming.  Charting your progress as you master these challenges provides a great sense of accomplishment while maintaining or improving your fitness level. 

This summer we challenge our patrons to enjoy the great outdoors that make our area so special.  June 27^th, PAC is partnering with the Town of Pinedale to host the first ever GREAT AMERICAN BACKYARD CAMPOUT on one of the town’s newly formed park areas (Burzlander).   Families are invited to pitch a tent, enjoy a cook-out, and participate in group activities and a campfire.  A free will donation will go 100% to the National Wildlife Federation’s initiative to get youth outdoors.

In July, PAC will promote the NATIONAL PARK AND RECREATION MONTH.  We will create a master recreation calendar on our website including events from all over the county taking place in July.  Also, look forward to our July “CHALLENGE of the DAY,” which will be featured on our PAC Facebook page.  “OUT is IN!”  Time to be outside with friends and family, get moving, and feel better for it!

Another way PAC is challenging youth this summer is by increasing the volume of off-site ADVENTURE DAY trips.  There will be seven Tuesdays throughout the summer that youth, grades 3-6, will head out for an outdoor adventure.  These adventures include white water rafting, trail hiking, archery, horseback riding and fishing, canoeing, Grand Teton Nat’l Park and Granite Hot Springs!  And kids in grades 7-12 will have the opportunity to participate in three different overnight OUTDOOR ADVENTURE trips.  From backpacking to Fayette Lake to exploring Yellowstone Nat’l Park, PAC promises some awesome summer challenges!  All of this in addition to other exciting PAC programming for kids, such as climbing club, competitive swim program, creative cosmic kids dance, (grades 1-5), dance jamboree (Pre-K & K), fit kids, toddler time and swim lessons!  Did we mention there is a tennis program and that Jr. Wrangler football and cheer start mid-August?  New this year starting in August is Jr. Wrangler volleyball (grades 3-5). 

Our LITTLE WRANGLER DAY CAMP will be going strong this summer from June 9^th – August 22^nd.  You can “drop in” for $30 a day, $125 a week or $1100 for a full summer (a $550 savings if purchased this way)!

Before we begin our summer hours and launch our summer programs, PAC will CLOSE FOR MAINTENANCE  June 2-8.  During that week, we will be repairing and replacing tile in the locker rooms and pool areas; repairing and replacing doors, grinding and painting the slide tower and climbing wall and various other necessary maintenance tasks. 

Starting Monday, June 9^th, SUMMER HOURS begin: 

·         Monday – Friday, 5am – 7pm;

·         Saturday, 10am – 6pm and

·         Sunday, 12-6pm.

Membership and Activity Scholarships are available to all who meet financial eligibility.  Pick up a form at Guest Services or obtain it online via our website:  www.pinedaleaquatic.com.

As our mission statement proclaims:  “The Pinedale Aquatic Center seeks to provide family recreation and leisure services for Sublette County residents and visitors.    Programs will promote healthy lifestyle by offering life-long skill development in an innovative, friendly and well maintained environment.”

Be sure to come on April 30^th for SUMMER EXPO, to pick up your own ACTIVITY GUIDE so you can track what is going on.  And, never hesitate to check online, www.pinedaleaquatic.com or call 367-2832, ext. 3 for Guest Services, or select a department extension if you want to talk to one of our great staff. 

PAC strives to make a difference in the community; and to be the place none of us can imagine living without!

To that end…

I invite YOU to accept the PAC Challenge!

JJ Huntley