Pillars of the Community

Quite frequently when traveling, I have the endless opportunity to come across many different and amazing discoveries on so many levels, whilst visiting the various locations that I find myself venturing too for athletic competitions. Of course the obvious major finds such as new inviting bodies of open water to swim in, and the seemingly endless miles of off road trails for riding and running, occupy the top prized spots. It is after all regarding them, the main reason for my travels in the first place to said locations, competition wise. Secondary, would be the obligatory warm and cozy confines of inviting cafes, along with delicious tasting Mexican taquerias and sushi houses which are most often sought out personally for palliative pleasures when not exercising. Other notable finds might include sports-related businesses that cater to endurance athletes, as well as book and record stores tucked neatly away in quiet little village nooks and crannies. A real bonus though and not often guaranteed to be found, is the opportunity to be directed to, and or stumble upon a real hidden gem in a local community, that being a free public rec center. 

  

The Kihei Aquatic Center, located on 303 E. Lipoa Street, in Kihei, Maui, Hawai'i, is exactly one of those hidden gems. This aquatic center open to the general public daily for use, also draws visiting tourists and competitors year round to it's location for several different offered aquatic events and sporting competitions, held within it's complete complex area. To learn some other general information, as well as read about what past historical swimming meets were held on site, click here. 

I know personally when I come across such facilities as this, that I am getting the opportunity to experience something really special. When given the chance, I always make sure to thoroughly enjoy the time spent using said recreational centers, especially since the area in which I currently live is completely void of such venues such as the Kihei Aquatic Center. Clearly observed while in attendance myself while visiting, were the many other individuals choosing to take advantage of such solid athletic surrounds, which as far as I am concerned, speaks volumes as to the overall value these free centers have upon the community. These types of complexes, serve up not only a location that has positive influence, but direct benefit as well in overall health and fitness improvement to all those of varying age who use said facilities daily. What about the personal character learned only through years of active participation by the many young men and women, whom live inside such communities that house such centers. What about you specifically that is reading this blog, have you yourself ever benefited from a community rec center while growing up? Much like the vacant and run down ghost towns often depicted in old western movies, towns that have already lost thriving community involvement resulting in the loss of their own recreational centers, themselves suffer and most often see negative effects, much in the way local youth head behavioral wise post said closers.

So, your local free community rec center, worthy neighbor or financial nuisance? Something to think about I guess in terms of value and impact?