Swimming in Success Since 2009

It all started in June 2009. The Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation was facing significant mid-year budget challenges. Sunday Funday, a free, family program was slated to end due to budget shortfalls. This three-hour program took place once a month at Marshall Community Center and included games, activities and a 90-minute free swim. John and Debra Bauman stepped up and thanks to their generous partnership the program survived.

With more financial challenges occurring in 2010 a tough decision was made to close Marshall Community Center on Sundays, ending Sunday Funday. However this did not end the Bauman’s support and commitment. In fact they increased it. And, in 2011 Bauman Chiropractic targeted their financial gift toward providing free family swim EVERY Saturday afternoon.

John and Debra added support to a Vancouver Parks and Recreation program known as Everybody Plays, asking that their contribution assist families in providing swim lessons for children. “We’re happy to provide an opportunity to enrich the lives of local youth,” said John.

“We are fortunate to be in a position to be able to give back to a community that has given so much to us. To be able to provide an opportunity for children and families to access swimming lessons for family fun and connections is very important for us. We believe swimming, in addition to serving as a very healthy recreational activity, provides kids with added confidence and self-esteem,” stated John and Debra.

This partnership with Bauman Chiropractic, the Parks Foundation and the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department continues to provide swim lessons to nearly 100 children each year. Innovative partnerships from the businesses such as Bauman Chiropractic are key to strengthening our community and making sure everyone has access to grow and be healthy. The Bauman’s have set themselves apart as community and business leaders for public-private partnerships.

If you’d like to learn more about ways your organization can support camps, swim programs, senior activities, or even a larger community-wide project such as the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Trail contact the Parks Foundation at 360-487-8370 or parks@parkfoudation.us.

Thank you John and Debra Bauman!