The Old Town Hot Springs hosted the 3rd Poochy Paddle in April. About 100 dirty dogs showed up to play in the lap pool and shallow pool, before both pools were closed for thorough cleaning. Prizes were also given away from Paws 'n Claws 'n Things, and Pet Kare Clinic. Ellen Standish won one of the prizes. She brought her family, and Golden Retrievers Mack and Molly, because they thought it would be fun. "Our dogs are water dogs. But Mack won't get in. He's having too much fun running around free and meeting new dogs. It's a beautiful day for the event."

Nancy Brodie brought her kids, and Chocolate Lab, Sam. "It's a great opportunity for our dog to get a bath because he won't let me bathe him. He loves getting together with his friends." Scott Ford came to the Poochy Paddle for the first time, bringing his Chocolate Lab, named Tobias, the Amazing Trout Dog. "I've seen it happen lots of times and I didn't want to miss this one because Tobias loves the water. He also loves to hang out with all his dog buddies." Ford said Tobias goes fishing with him in the summer. "He loves this water because it's warmer than anything he ever swims in." The next Poochy Paddle will be in October.



Inside The Old Town Hot Springs

Daily admissions are up and membership prices are staying the same. Those were some of the highlights of the recent Annual Lifetime Member meeting. The Old Town Hot Springs Board, staff, and Lifetime Members were in attendance. Executive Director Pat Carney said daily admissions were up nine percent, as a result of a daily admission price increase on Nov. 1. Carney said, "We elected not to raise membership prices this year because of the economy. We look toward raising the membership rates next spring as the economy recovers. Membership income is 50 percent of our annual sales revenue so to keep our budget on track, the rates must go up along with our expenses or we won't survive and be able to keep improving the facility."

Repairs were a chunk of the budget. Maintenance Director Matt Enochs said two pool motors had to be replaced, as did four sump pumps in the lower level of the pump room. LED lights are being placed in all of the pools. While the lights are expensive, they eventually save money on energy cost and use as they last longer. A strong algaecide was used in the lap pool, to fight the black algae that results over time from the mineral waters. Another expense was the cost of CO2 and chlorine as more is needed with the addition of more pools and water from the recent renovation. Time clocks were also put on all pumps and heaters so that they are now shut down every night. That has saved considerably on the electric and gas bills.

The board discussed future improvements. An underpass has been discussed for several years which would go under Fish Creek Falls Road, near the back of the property, connecting to the tennis courts and to the city trail that leads to the high school. The Old Town Hot Springs is working closely with the City of Steamboat on a way to partner to make this happen sooner rather than later It is a very dangerous crossing for kids coming from the schools and adults using the tennis courts and the trail.

The Board also recognized the need for improvements, in continuing to serve the recreational needs of the community. After the hot pool renovations in 2007, the Board committed to improvements to the Fitness Center. A draft plan has been drawn up to add approximately 5000 square feet to the second floor Fitness Center, at an estimated cost of $2 million. This would allow parking underneath so only a couple of spaces are lost. The preliminary plan has been reviewed by the City and more work needs to be done before we can know what requirements will be placed on the project. With our current financial situation there is no extra money in the budget for this expansion, and no capability to add more debt at this time. Because the Old Town Hot Springs is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, the Board anticipates a fundraising campaign to raise money for this expansion. The Board will spend the next 12 months planning how this can be accomplished. Any members who have experience with fundraising or ideas are welcome to contact Executive Director Pat Carney at 970-879-1828, ext. 308.


Grab A Deal In May

An Adult Membership Special is being offered in May. The cost is $50 for renewing or new members, on the adult monthly membership. It must be purchased and redeemed in May, 2010. It is good for all pools, the Fitness Center, and most classes. Contact the Front Desk for details.


Member Massage Special

The Member Massage Special continues through May. The cost is $50 for one hour and $80 for 1.5 hours, and the deal is for OTHS members only. Make your reservation with the front desk by calling 970-879-1828. Gift certificates cannot be purchased at this price, however.




Member of the Month

Meet Lance Hoffman, born and raised in Steamboat, and the May Member of the Month. Lance has come to the Old Town Hot Springs all of his life, but especially in the last three years. That's when he decided to start body building, and work towards competing. "It's not that I want to pursue a career in it. It's just a goal that I set." Lance plans to compete in an amateur body building competition in Denver in August. It's his first show, and he might do more. He isn't sure yet.

Lance works for TwentyMile Coal Company, but manages to work out in the fitness center of the Old Town Hot Springs seven days a week. He breaks his days into muscle groups. "I work on chest and triceps on Monday, back and biceps on Tuesday, and legs on Wednesdays. Then I start all over." Congratulations to Lance Hoffman and best of luck with his body building.


Between The Lanes

Splash Into Swim Lessons

Swim lesson sessions begin May 3 and are offered throughout the summer and into September. Lessons are available for all ages and abilities including Parent & Child sessions, Preschool Aquatics, and Learn to Swim courses for all levels. Guard Start and Water Safety Aide classes are also offered. There is something for everyone who wants to improve swim skills, and learn to be safe in the water. Bring goggles and wear sunscreen. Swim diapers are required for those not potty trained. All instructors are certified by the American Red Cross in Water Safety Instruction and also hold certifications in First Aid and CPR.

The swim lessons schedule and registration forms are all available on the Old Town Hot Springs website at www.OldTownHotSprings.org. Nancy Gray in the Aquatics Office can answer any questions you may have. Her number is 970-879-1828, ext. 313.


Private Swim Lessons

Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons are available at the Old Town Hot Springs, for all ages and abilities. All instructors are certified by the American Red Cross in Water Safety Instruction and also hold certifications in First Aid and CPR. Lesson tickets can be purchased at the Front Desk. Lessons are arranged through the instructor of your choice.

An individual Private Lesson for 30 minutes is $28/member or $34/non-member. A booklet of five tickets is $120/member or $155/non-member. A Semi-Private Lesson is $20/member or $25/non-member. A booklet of five tickets is $85/member or $110/non-member. Semi-Private Lessons are 30 minutes for two students, 45 minutes for three students, or one hour for four or more students.

Nancy Gray in the Aquatics Office can answer any questions you may have. Her number is 970-879-1828, ext. 313.


Learn To Be A Lifeguard

Get officially trained as a lifeguard. Lifeguard Training is May 22-27. You'll be trained and certified as a lifeguard, in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen. The cost is $175. Please register and pay at the Front Desk.

Training times are May 22, 10-2 p.m.; May 23, 8-5 p.m.; May 24, 5-10 p.m.; May 25, 6-10 p.m.; May 26, 5-10 p.m.; May 27, 6-10 p.m.



Swim Test Time

Take the Swim Test now, to be ready for the hot summer months at the pool. Swim test times are 12-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, May 22-23. The Deep End Lap Pool Test is required every season for children under the age of 15, who want to swim in the deep end or go off the diving boards without an adult present. Requirements are:


  • Deep End Lap Pool/Diving Board Requirement: Swimmers must demonstrate the front crawl stroke with rotary breathing for the entire length of the lap pool (25 yards). Once the test is passed, a yellow wrist band is issued. The test only needs to be taken once per season. However, your name must be recorded in a log at the Front Desk. Then every time you enter the facility you ask for your wrist band and swimming becomes hassle free!

  • Deep End Hot Pool/Slide Test Requirement: Swimmers must demonstrate the front crawl stroke with rotary breathing for half the length of the 25-yard lap pool. Once the test is passed, a green wrist band is issued. Please confirm that your name is written in the log and ask for your wrist band when you enter the facility.

  • PLEASE BE ADVISED: Lifeguards will ask a child to retake the swim test if they are not wearing a wrist band. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure their swimmer takes the test, passes the test and then gets a wrist band upon entering the facility.


Monster Swim Rears Its Ugly Head Again

Grab a buddy and swim as far as you can in the second Happy Hour Monster Swim, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 12. The objective is for you and your swim partner(s) to swim the greatest combined distance in one hour. Prizes will be awarded. Reserve a lane now for you and three friends for $20/lane or $5/person. The cost goes up on the day of the event. A portion of all fees collected go to the Wayne Kakela Scholarship Fund.


Red Cross Class Returns

American Red Cross Classes are scheduled this month. CPR/AED will be taught 6:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 11. First Aid will be taught at the same time, Tuesday, May 25. The cost of each class is $30. Register and pay at the Front Desk.


May Swim Team Training

The Steamboat Springs Swim Team will be using lap lanes after school, May 3-June 5. The swim team rents the lanes. Six lanes will be used from 3:45-5 p.m., Monday through Friday (leaving two lanes available). Four lanes will be used from 5-6 p.m. Monday through Friday (leaving four lanes available). Half of the shallow pool and the entire deep end will also be used by swim team during this time. Swim team will occupy five lanes, the deep end, and half the shallow end on Saturday mornings, 8:45-11 a.m. (leaving three lanes available).

Saturday practice is 8:30-11 a.m. The swim team will occupy five lanes, the deep end, and half the shallow pool (leaving three lanes available). Keep checking the Old Town Hot Springs website for the updated lap pool schedule. Thank you for your patience.


Old Town Hot Springs Swim Club

Keep your kids in the water this summer with the OTHS Swim Club. It's for kids ages 6-15, who want to play and have fun while becoming better swimmers. They'll be coached in stroke technique, speed, and endurance. They'll play fun water games like Animal Ball, Underwater Hockey, Steal the Bacon, and Water Polo. The group meets in the lap pool from 5-6 p.m., every Tuesday and Wednesday evening, June 15-August 25. Buy a 10-time punch card for $80/members or $100/non-members. Individual drop-in price is $10/member and $12/non-member.


As The Turnstile Turns

Thank you for your patience with the front desk turnstile and finger print scanner. The scanner was defective, and replaced by a finger vein reader, which isn't interfacing with the new software program as smoothly as was hoped. It is freezing up the software. Glitches are getting worked out and hopefully the finger vein reader will be up and running soon. It's there to improve security, and keep visitors from sneaking into the facility. Not paying isn't fair to those members who do pay to belong to the Old Town Hot Springs.


Tennis Time

The Old Town Hot Springs tennis courts are open for the season. Play on a first come, first served basis through May 27. The will be no water or bathroom available until Memorial Day weekend. Private and group lessons are offered through Lynne Meyers (970-879-1728, ext. 375), or Robert Martens (970-879-1828, ext. 374). New tennis programs will also be offered this summer. Organized leagues are available. Check times and dates at the front desk, or create your own eight-person league.


Dreamboat Café

The Dreamboat Café will reopen May 22, ready for the summer months. Summer hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week. Stop in and enjoy lunch and snacks from the new and improved menu.







Child Care Garage Sale

The 2nd Annual Child Care Garage Sale is 8-1 p.m., Saturday, June 12. Drop off any items you may want to donate, the day before, 9-12 p.m. on Friday, June 11. No clothes, please. Items to donate include toys, bikes, play structures, baby gear, strollers and other kid stuff. Half of all money raised will go to the Wayne Kakela Scholarship Fund. Contact Stephanie Orozco for questions, at 970-879-1828, ext. 305.