Community Corner

Letter To The Editor: Lake Bluff Park District Saves Resident During Power Outages

Finds new appreciation for facility.

Dear Editor:

During the recent power outages, we all had to endure some inconveniences, and in my neighborhood we were luckier than most, only losing power for 19 hours the first time and 8 hours in a subsequent outage.

But my work is dependent on my computer and access to the Internet, so being without power is totally paralyzing. Like a lot of other people, during the first power failure I was scrambling to find somewhere to get connected.

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After trying two public places that offer wireless Internet but finding them so crowded I couldn't plug in, my daughter remembered that the Lake Bluff Health & Fitness Center has wireless.

We headed over and found, to our delight, that the facility had power and was uncrowded, quiet, and more than accommodating. As Fitness Center members, we headed upstairs to use the comfortable lounge area, where I was able to connect and get through all the work I needed to.

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In talking to the staff, we learned that we weren't the only ones who turned to the Fitness Center for help that day. They reported that by 5 a.m. members were coming in to use the showers and blow dryers in the locker rooms before heading to work.

I've always considered myself lucky to have access to such an up-to-date and appealing public fitness facility, but now I have a new appreciation of how the Park District serves our community.

The wireless Internet is accessible throughout the building and on the pool deck, so anyone can use it, even poolside. The staff, both downstairs and upstairs, are always helpful and friendly.

Kudos to general manager Ron Salski, the rest of the administration and staff, and the Park District board for working creatively to address the public's needs even in these tight budgetary times.

Nicki Snoblin, Lake Bluff

 

If you have a comment you wish to have posted online in the form of a Letter to the Editor, e-mail it to Jim Powers at james.powers@patrch.com.


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