Life at WHC enhanced by Grosse Aquatic Center

Evelyn Herrmann, a resident of Windgrace, has been a dedicated swimmer at the Grosse Aquatic Center since the day it opened in 2018. “Back then, I was only swimming twice a week,” Evelyn shared. “I really enjoyed it. In the last two years, I’ve been coming three days a week.”

For Evelyn, swimming is more than just exercise; it’s a vital part of her routine. “Once in a while, I’ll do the elliptical or something at Windgrace. But I’d rather swim. The main thing is to just keep my legs and arms moving,” she explained. With a family history of diabetes, staying active is important to her, and water walking has been especially beneficial. “I walk the circle 25 times and can go two and a half times around per minute without the jets,” Evelyn said.

Evelyn’s commitment to swimming is unwavering. No matter the season, she makes it to the pool, often using the south campus shuttle to get there. “I just want to come over. Anybody can make it over here and get exercise,” she emphasized. “On occasion, I have to cancel, but not very often. The more I come, the better it is.”

She also appreciates the social aspect of the campus shuttle. “I love the campus shuttle. It’s a ride, but I like making different connections that you might not make otherwise with our drivers,” she said.

Evelyn’s love for swimming started early. “I always remember, even as a kid, and when I was first married, so many people wanted a fireplace. And I said, ‘I’ll take a swimming pool any day before a fireplace.’ I never had one. When I was young, we jumped off the bridge and swam in the river over by Jesup. That’s when I fell in love with swimming,” she reminisced.

The benefits of swimming are clear to Evelyn. “I’ve noticed a difference in my feet and legs. That’s my main concern. I feel so good when I get out of the pool. I’m on cloud nine,” she said with a smile.

Evelyn is grateful for the opportunities the Grosse Aquatic Center provides. “I like the fact that the pool is here for us. It’s so available. I thank the Lord that we’ve got the pool,” she said.