The Evergreen Retirement Community, located in residential Oshkosh, Wisc., celebrated the opening of their new addition, Creekview Center, in July 2004. Today Creekview Center includes both the “Creekview Fitness Center and Aerobic Studio” as well as the “Creekview Aquatic Center.”
The Creekview Aquatic Center houses two pools intended to meet the various therapeutic and exercise needs of older adults. The John J. & Ethyl D. Keller Pool is a three-lane, temperature-controlled exercise pool, used not only for lap swimming, but also for water aerobic classes including “Light ‘n Lively” and “Aquatic Exercise.” Patrons enter easily and gradually down steps into shallow water.
For those needing more intensive treatment, the Prescott Family Pool is a therapeutic, warm-water therapy pool. It includes an underwater bench with massaging water jets designed to either relax or stimulate muscles, depending on the rehabilitative need. The two-lane, walking access ramp allows for easier access into the pool and a UV filtration system helps maintain optimum pool water conditions.
Several therapeutic and design elements further aid in the rehabilitative capabilities of the facility. Perhaps most notably, for those unable to enter the water using ramps or stairs a handicap chair lift, supported by an eye-appealing redwood arbor, is located between the two pools. In addition, unique individual unisex changing rooms offer the privacy of a complete bath with no-step showers and adequate space for assistance.
In terms of design, natural sunlight; a calming color scheme; tiling around the pools and on walls; and placement of greenery, are all strategic elements that help meet the specific needs of users.
All told, the Creekview Center natatorium has become an opportunity for the Evergreen community’s active adults to come together and socialize, while maintaining their health in a safe and enjoyable environment.
