KROC: A real gift to the community

Thank you Coeur d’Alene and the Salvation Army. I have recently become a member of the Kroc Center and am thrilled. In fact, I am home again!

It may seem odd that it has taken me so long to join. You see, I grew up at the Kootenai YMCA. Spending my adolescent years through young adult years as a swim team member, lifeguard, swim teacher, water aerobics instructor, camp counselor, Preschool Enhancement Program Coordinator and Swim Team Coach. I lived, breathed, and at times consumed the chlorine water. It was my second home for more than 20 years.

For several reasons I was hesitant to become a member of the Kroc family. I think maybe I was feeling it wouldn’t meet my expectations or that I couldn’t swim like I use to due to health reasons. But this year I dove in and I haven’t looked back. You have exceeded my expectations! You have brought fond memories flooding back to me of my first and true love, swimming.

The building is a place you can be proud of. The employees are friendly and responsive to your needs. It is so nice to be greeted with a smile. I am amazed at how well kept the facility is with as many people there are using it. That is due, I am sure, to the many employees who take pride in keeping it clean but also to the members who are responsible and respectful.

I find myself anxious to get to the pool and begin my workout. I now know, and can experience again, the joy that so many of the kids I have taught, feel. It is so rewarding and enjoyable to swim in a state-of-the-art pool. I have swam in many pools and this is one of the nicest. In fact, I have my own. But when you are a competitive swimmer by nature, a small pool just doesn’t quite fill a need.

I have met many old friends and am making new friends in the short time I have been there and it warms my heart to be a member of such a great place. I can see you are meeting the needs of our community hand over fist and are fulfilling the philosophy of Ray and Joan Kroc. It is evident that this was a needed entity and I thank the Salvation Army for seeing that we were worthy and in need of such an establishment. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am home, again!

DIANE TURNER

Hayden