Learn to Swim Program Expands to Parkwood Pool
Published on July 12, 2022
Kansas City, KS (July 12, 2022) - The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS (UG), along with community partners Government Employees Health Association (G.E.H.A.), Kansas City, Kansas Public School District (KCKPS), and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City officially announced the kick-off of the Parkwood Pool “Learn to Swim” program.
Through a generous sponsorship from G.E.H.A., as well as constant collaboration with outlined community partners up to 200 Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas youth have the opportunity to receive free swimming lessons at Parkwood Pool this summer through the YMCA.
The Parkwood Pool “Learn to Swim” program meets the need of affordable and accessible swimming lessons for Wyandotte County students. Families are able to register youth for one of two four-day 30-minute swim sessions beginning July 11-14 and July 18-21.
To encourage swimmer confidence and self-esteem, GEHA will provide each registered student with a new beach towel, new swimsuits/ swim trunks if needed, sunscreen, swim googles and swim caps.
“I am elated for the sponsorship and dynamic partnership that will help us expand the Learn to Swim to Parkwood Pool this summer," said CEO/ Mayor Tyrone A. Garner. “It is imperative that our youth have access to safe pools and accessible swimming lessons to learn these life-saving skills just as youth in other communities. The amazing partnerships and programs that have recently launched at Parkwood show how the Unified Government is deeply is committed to the success of our youth.”
“We are excited to be a part of the growing partnership with GEHA, YMCA, and KCKPS,” said Unified Government Parks and Recreation Director, Angel Obert. “Providing opportunities such as swim lessons and breaking down barriers for our community to access these opportunities is being made possible through these partnerships. We are appreciative of our community partners and the positive impact this program will have on our community.”
Partnerships to Address Swim Skills and Safety
Launched in February 2022, the Learn to Swim program provides much-needed access to swim lessons for youth in Wyandotte County. To learn more about the Learn to Swim afterschool program pilot and partnership between the Unified Government, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, the YMCA, and Warner Media, please visit.
Parkwood Pool "Learn to Swim" Program Photos
ABOUT THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, was formed by public ballot initiative in 1997. Representing the fourth most populous county in the state of Kansas, the Unified Government provides city and county services to nearly 165,000 residents across 156 square miles. For more information, visit wycokck.org.
ABOUT GEHA
GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc., pronounced G.E.H.A.), founded in 1937, is a nonprofit member association and the largest dental and second largest medical benefit provider of federal employees exclusively serving 2 million current employees and retirees, military retirees and their families. GEHA's mission, to empower members to be healthy and well, is demonstrated through its focus on innovation as well as providing members with access to one of the largest medical provider networks nationwide. Headquartered in Lee's Summit, Missouri, GEHA is one of the largest employers in the Kansas City metro area. For more information, visit geha.com.
ABOUT KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS
KCKPS is the largest school district in Wyandotte County and the fifth largest in the state of Kansas. The diverse school district serves students in Pre-K through 12th grade. The student population of more than 21,000 students is made up of about 50% Hispanic, 29% African American, 11% White and 7% Asian. The vision of the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools is to be one of the Top 10 School Districts in the Nation. For more information, visit kckps.org/.
ABOUT THE YMCA OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
Driven by its founding mission, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community since 1860. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y's goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across communities. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Visit kansascityymca.org for more information.