Many Minnesotans consider swimming and boating on our lakes the keystone of a happy and healthy childhood, but for many Minneapolis youth this just isn’t a reality. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), partnered with People for Parks, has seeded a $7,500 swim lesson fund that targets youth from lower-income families.
“Some of my happiest childhood moments were jumping off the dock and trying to catch crayfish” said People for Parks’ Executive Director Chriss Joyce, “We want to make sure that the cost of swimming lessons doesn’t prevent anyone from safely enjoying our lakes, which is why we have partnered with the MPRB to offer these scholarships to youth in need.”
The scholarship fund provides $50 of the $55 class fee through MPRB swim lessons at the Lupient Waterpark, North Commons Waterpark, Webber Natural Pool, Nokomis Beach and Wirth Beach. The funds are available on a first come first serve basis for the four swim sessions running through June 20 to August 19. For info contact aquatics@minneapolisparks.org or 612-230-6400. Interested in providing a swimming lesson to a youth in need? Find out more at peopleforparks.net/swim-lesson-fund.html.