Aquatics programming at the Trent Athletics Centre (AC) is being revamped and revitalized with the launch of new and dynamic programs for youth and adults in January 2013 thanks to the work and vision of aquatics supervisor Alyssa Heffernan, who joined the staff at the AC in October.

Ms. Heffernan, a Peterborough native, has a life-long connection with the Allan Marshall Pool at Trent, which opened in 1977 and is a key feature of the renovated and expanded Athletics Centre. As a child, she learned how to swim and took all of her aquatic leadership courses in the Trent pool before working at the Athletics Centre as a lifeguard, swimming instructor and head instructor, campus recreation and facility booking coordinator. A Trent University alumna, Ms. Heffernan boasts over 12 years of experience in aquatics, most recently working as aquatics supervisor at the YMCA of Central East Ontario Balsillie Family Branch in Peterborough before returning to Trent Athletics.

"I am thrilled to once again be part of the aquatics team at the Trent Athletics Centre,” Ms. Heffernan said. “Having gotten my start in swimming here, I feel that I have come full circle in my career. It has been really exciting to come back, build on the strong reputation Trent Aquatics has always had in the community, and work to create some dynamic new swim programs and opportunities for all ages.”

For the upcoming Winter 2013 session, many new programs will be launched alongside more traditional offerings like swimming lessons for kids, which has been a staple at the Trent Athletics Centre for decades. Several new programs are focused on adults, including adult beginner, stroke development and fitness courses, a women’s only swim, aquatic personal training and a public swim for ages 16 and older called The Inner Kid Release. A Red Cross Swim Sports program is among the new releases for kids and features an opportunity for participants to try their hands at diving, innertube water polo, and underwater hockey. Rounding out the AC’s aquatic program offerings are a variety of leadership courses and first aid courses.

Registration for all Winter 2013 programs at the AC, including aquatics programs and fitness programs for the whole family, opens on Monday, December 3, 2012 on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration can take place in person at the AC or online at www.trentu.ca/athletics.

To learn more about all programs, including dates and times for the upcoming session, visit the Athletics Centre website at www.trentu.ca/athletics and download a copy of the Winter 2013 Community Membership & Programs Guide.

The Athletics Centre at Trent – The Indoor Gym for People Who Love the Outdoors

As the only fitness and recreation facility in the growing north end of the City of Peterborough, the Athletics Centre at the Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre provides vital wellness services to all residents. Unique and innovative features of the Athletics Centre, which opened in September 2010, include: North America’s most advanced indoor combination rowing/paddling tank, an indoor climbing wall, 12,000 sq. ft. cardio loft and weight room, warm therapy pool, expanded therapy clinic, and a complete makeover of the pool. Community memberships are available.