By Sue Baum
BETHESDA Community of Gwinnett | Elizabeth (Betsy) Greenwood is the first one at the door each morning at the Bethesda Park Aquatic Center in Lawrenceville. She’s been participating in drop-in water aerobics classes here nearly since the place opened its doors in 2007.
Baum
At a youthful age of 88, Betsy loves the exercise and the social connections with her fellow swimmers, saying, “It keeps you young.” Betsy is always moving, even though it’s a bit more challenging recently. Just a few years ago, she walked an average of 4.5 miles on top of attending the drop-in water aerobics classes Monday through Friday each week.
Greenwood
However, in November 2021, she suffered a fall, breaking her femur and hip and requiring surgery. Her doctor told her that only 50 percent of women with the same injury even survive, but she beat the odds, returning to the pool in the spring of 2022. However, another fall in April led to a broken wrist and pelvis. Betsy was down, but not out. As soon as she could, she was back in her regular place in front of the class. Betsy remarks, “I’m like a Timex…I just keep on ticking.”
At the Bethesda Center, Linda McLemore has been an instructor at the pool since the place opened. She used to be a runner, but after surgery, discovered the benefits of rehabbing in the water and decided to teach. She notes the benefits of water aerobics are really two-fold. There are the obvious benefits of aerobic exercise and that fact that the water is easier on aging joints.
McLemore
But maybe not-so-obvious are the social benefits of friendship and fun. Some of her students come five mornings a week. There’s also a whole other dedicated group who come to the pool classes in the evenings. Says Linda: “These classes mean a lot to a lot of people.” At a drop-in price of $2 for county residents, she also notes that it’s the “best deal in the county.”
Bethesda Aquatic Center is just one of nine community pools throughout Gwinnett, which were built with SPLOST funds that add a penny for the county sales tax. It is just part of the large network of parks and libraries that serve Gwinnett citizens. The other aquatic park sites are:
- Year-around: Bethesda and Bogan.
- Year-around and seasonal: Collins Hill, Mountain Park, and West Gwinnett.
- Searsonal: Best Friend, Dacula, Lenora and Rhodes Jordan.
All ages benefit from these centers, providing the gifts of health and fellowship. For more information, go to the Gwinnett Parks and Recreation website.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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