GCC installs handicapped lift in Lindquist Center pool

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP — A new handicapped lift has been installed in the Lindquist Center pool at Gogebic Community College, according to Diane Oliver, president of Snowflake Aquatics.

The city of Ironwood donated a lift to the pool years ago, Oliver said, but it was not working well and did not meet new federal regulations. The old lift was hydraulic, and the new one is electric. “We would have had to close the pool if we didn’t get the new lift,” Oliver said.

Lifeguards are available to assist pool patrons in using the lift during any open or lap swimming time, or during water exercise classes.

Snowflake Aquatics provides group youth swim lessons and private adult or youth swim lessons.

The Barracuda swim team of the YMCA of the Northwoods also uses the pool.

The group is holding a 50-50 fund-raiser to help defray the cost of the lift, which was about $5,000, Oliver said. Tickets are available at the pool, from Snowflakes Aquatics members, and at the office of James D. Oliver, CPA.

Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. The drawing will be held on July 4 at the Sunday Lake Run in Wakefield.

Editor’s note: For more information, call Diane Oliver at 932-1848. For a calendar of swimming activities, visit http://www.gogebic.edu.