letter to the director

I wrote a letter to the director for the Student Recreation and Wellness Services at The University of Akron:

John,

Haven’t talked to you in a bit – hope your summer has been going well.

I’ve been trying to get back into a regular habit of swimming in the ONAT pool in the afternoons and I thought I’d share some questions/observations.

1. Is the water always so…wet?  It’s been awhile since I’ve been a regular swimmer and I don’t recall…well, I’m just soaked as soon as I hit the water.  Right to the skin – even my trunks are drenched.  I’m able to dry off pretty quickly when I get out of the pool, but it still catches me off guard when I first jump in.   If this is the way it goes, I can get used to it.  But, maybe you could put up some signs?  Like, “Caution, water in the pool is extremely wet”  Just a thought.

2. Is the length of the ONAT pool still regulation?  The few times I’ve been in the pool I’m pretty sure the deep end is somewhere in Barberton.  I mean, there’s no “welcome to Barberton” sign, but I think I smelled broasted chicken down there.  I didn’t eat any because, you know, fitness, but wow – that deep end is really far away.     Could you get a student assistant or a lifeguard out there with a yardstick and check out the distance?    Also, swimming back from the deep end to the shallow is a lot of work – going uphill, you know – and if you ever get the budget to level out the pool I’d be happy to help with the project.
3.  That whole, “you have to wear a swimming suit” rule – how important is that?  I ask because, if we can’t do anything about the dampness of the water (see 1 above), it would be a huge time-saver to not have to dry out my trunks.  I’m usually rocking a square-cut speedo – in UA Blue, naturally – and while that dries out pretty quickly, being able to skip it would save some time.  Plus, wear and tear on the swimsuit dryer in the locker rooms.    Is that a policy you’d be able to change yourself or would we need to take that to the board of trustees?

No concerns about the facilities (always clean and well maintained), or the staff (always friendly and helpful) – but if you could look into the above items and let me know, I’d appreciate it.   

Thanks,
Anthony Serpette
Assistant Director, Web Services

His response:

Hi Anthony,

It’s great to hear from you, welcome back!  Congratulations on realizing some of the recent changes we have made in the ONAT pool.

1)      We have increased the water wetting properties determined by a force balance between adhesive and cohesive forces over the skin so the water is wetter now J.  I like the sign idea and should talk to communications and marketing on that.

2)      The pool length does extend into Barberton as an approach to attract more Barberton students to UA and provide a unique way to travel to campus as well as get their work out in.  Next time you’re in at lunch can you stop by the broasted chicken place and get some take out?  I have been craving the chicken and I am a terrible swimmer, I also can’t stand that uphill swim from the deep end.

3)      Unfortunately I think it might be a challenge on the whole swim wear request.  Keep on rockin the UA speedo!

Thanks for the laugh, it totally made my day and came at a perfect time.  I look forward to seeing you the next time you’re in.  Have a great weekend.

John MacDonald
Director
Student Recreation & Wellness Services