Aquatic Center Receives Aquatics International Best of 2008

August 25, 2008

The City of Clayton’s Parks and Recreation Department was recently notified that it will receive the prestigious “Best in Aquatics” award from Aquatics International. The 10th annual Best of Aquatics Award is given in recognition of overall operation of the department and is directly related to the quality of staff, programming and facility management.

A panel of respected aquatics professionals independently selected winners with the highest scores in each of the nineteen categories. The city’s Aquatics Department was selected as the best in the “overall commitment to aquatics – population 49,999 or less” category for 2008.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Jordan Wienke and Kyle Henke and their staff for their commendable efforts on behalf of the City,” said Clayton’s Parks and Recreation Director Patty DeForrest. Kyle is a celebrity in his own right, having been recognized nationally by the American Red Cross for his heroic lifesaving rescue of a Clayton High School student in December of 2006.

“The mission for The Center’s Aquatics Department is to improve the quality of life for Clayton citizens through the provision of comprehensive aquatics services and recreational opportunities to individuals of all ages and abilities, in a safe, healthy and pleasant environment,” said Ms. DeForrest, “and the department is definitely achieving this mission.”

The Aquatics International competition honors the industry's outstanding aquatic facilities — including competition pools, leisure pools, therapy pools and water parks. Entries are judged on facility programming, promotional materials, aquatic amenities and community involvement. Winners will be recognized in a special Best of Aquatics supplement to the November/ December 2008 issue of Aquatics International.