Retirement and leaving a legacy |
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Local Fitness Legend Retires |
Wendy has been teaching water fitness for over 34 years, and this year officially retired from her role. After teaching and being certified in the Twin Cities in the early 90’s Wendy came back to Bayfield with a wealth of knowledge and began teaching at the Bayfield Rec Center in 2015. At the time, classes were 5-8 people and known as “walk and talk”. As Wendy got involved with substituting, and then eventually teaching on a regular basis, the class began to evolve. No longer just a walk and talk, Wendy poured her heart into playlists and choreography and full body workouts that are fun, motivating, and now the standard. |
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Through the years Wendy has been inspired by her students and is grateful for each class she got to teach where smiling faces were looking back at her, the friendships formed, and the connections that go beyond the work out. She created a space where everyone felt welcome and class participants supported each other. All of her work shows, with aqua-fit classes regularly exceed 30 people and many new instructors teaching at a the high caliber that Wendy demonstrated.
"As a new instructor I looked up to Wendy for inspiration to create classes that were fun, positive, and challenging. She's a great leader because she gives you the tools to grow and is truly happy for your success." - Catherine
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We always counted on Wendy to come up with new ways to make the workouts fun. One notable class included beachballs in the pool, accompanied by a ton of laughter. In the hallways after class while people put their shoes and socks back on, you could always hear people talking about how good their bodies felt after 45 minutes of movement in the water.
Being an aqua fit instructor, performing the same moves on land that students perform with the support of the water, isn’t easy work. But the hardest part? Wendy says was learning everyone’s names. It was about connection, laughter, and encouragement. |
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Even though Wendy is retiring you’ll still see her swimming laps and she will be participating in classes and cheering others on rather than leading from the pool deck. She will also be traveling and spending more time making art. This is not goodbye, just another lap in her journey. So, keep moving, keep smiling, and never forget that fitness is for life, and so is friendship 🙂 Next time you see Wendy, congratulate her on her retirement and all that she’s contributed to this program. |
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Annual campaign and leaving your legacy |
You don’t have to be an instructor to make an impact at the Rec Center. As you consider your charitable giving this season, we are grateful for the generosity that keeps this facility and our programs available to everyone. Our annual campaign gives you the opportunity to pick a fund that’s close to your heart: 1. Financial Assistance Fund – Keeping programs affordable and inclusive
2. Sailing Program – Expanding youth and community sailing opportunities
3. Fitness Equipment – Updating and maintaining high-quality training tools
4. Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna Longevity – Ensuring these beloved amenities endure for decades
5. Facility Fund – Addressing ongoing maintenance and capital improvements Give in the way that works best for you. Whether by check, online, donor-advised fund, IRA rollover, stock, planned giving, or through your business as a 1% partner and/or Point to La Pointe Sponsor— there are many meaningful ways to contribute to the longevity of the Rec Center. We accept a wide range of assets and will work with you to ensure your gift reflects your values and goals—now and for generations to come. |
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Winter is a very busy time in the pool. Please be prepared to share lanes and welcome new people. Save this link and check the calendar before you come in. |
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What's going on at the Rec Center? |
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Log rolling - First Sunday of the month- December 7th, January 4th, February 1st Water polo - Sundays 3pm-4:30pm through April-ish. Potluck to follow. |
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New rates - effective January 1st, 2026 |
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There will be an update in membership prices beginning with the new year. Unfortunately operating costs have continued to rise due to inflation and the rise in energy costs. We are committed to providing financial aid to those who may need. You may pre-pay for future months and years before the end of 2025. |
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Here's a fun way to expand your swimming this winter! Each month we will have a Beginner and an Advanced swim challenge for you to participate in. Swim the distance over the month, record your swim, and celebrate with other swimmers.
December Swim Challenges: Beginner - 2 miles from Bayfield to La Pointe Advanced - 7.75 miles around Basswood Island |
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Pick up your log chart at the front desk. Keep your log chart on the cork board in the hallway or if you can keep it dry, put it in your swim bag. |
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Shop Late, Support the Swim Team |
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Join the Bay Area Swim team at Bloom Gallery (104 Rittenhouse Ave) in Bayfield on Friday, December 5th from 5pm-8pm to get your gifts wrapped by a youth team member for a small donation!
Bring your gifts to be wrapped, even if not purchased at Bloom
All donations to the team will be matched by a generous donor, up to $500 dollars! All proceeds go towards team expenses and scholarship. |
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Maker Space Featured Activity: Let it Snow |
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December 11th 4-6:30pm
Join us for a night of activities to get you into the holiday spirit!
Spots and supplies are limited!
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As we approach the 40th anniversary of the opening of the facility we're looking for photos and stories from the early days of the Rec Center.
Do you have photos in family albums? Were you in the pool opening day?
Contact Natalie at the front desk. Natalie@bayfieldrec.org 715-779-5408 |
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Save the Date for the Bluemoon Ball |
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It's a Party!
We're looking for sponsors for this annual fundraiser! Call 715 779 5408
Volunteers needed for set up and clean up. More information coming soon.
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Welcome a New 1% for Rec Business |
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1% for Recreation business partners support the Rec Center with year round, consistent funding that helps us cover the cost of maintenance and upgrades to our facility. We truly couldn't do this without support from the community.
Interested in becoming a 1% for Recreation business partner? |
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Upcoming Facility Closures |
Wednesday November 26th Half Day - Pool 6:30am-11am, Facility closes at Noon Aqua Fit Class 8:30am-9:15am Thursday, November 27th CLOSED Friday, November 28th Pool 1pm-4:30pm Facility 1pm-5pm No Aqua Fit
Wednesday, December 24th Half Day - Pool 6:30am-11am, Facility closes at 12 Aqua Fit Class 8:30am-9:15am Thursday, December 25th CLOSED Friday, December 26th Pool 1pm-4:30pm Facility 1pm-5pm No Aqua Fit |
We close due to weather conditions at the discretion of our staff. If the Rec Center is closed, all programming will be canceled. 24 Hour Access will remain open to the best of our ability. Check our calendar and Facebook for updates. Closures due to weather will also be announced on WDIO TV Channels 10/13. |
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