Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast
The Ogallala Goodall YMCA is kicking off April with a full calendar of family-friendly events, fitness opportunities, and youth programming, according to Branch Executive Director Melissa Ewert and CEO Conrad Bostron.
Families can start the month with the YMCA’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at Western Diamond. The event is divided into age groups, and Ewert said, “We’ll start with the younger kids. So, it starts at 10 a.m. It goes super, super fast. So, make sure you’re there early so you don’t miss out.” She added that each group will have its own field and noted, “We want to make sure parents can see all their kids have fun.”
Registration is now open for the YMCA’s triathlon and 5K, set for May 2. Ewert said, “It is a swim, bike, run. We will swim here at the indoor pool at the YMCA.” Participants will then transition to a bike route heading out toward Roscoe before returning and finishing with a run near New Hope Church. She noted the course is easy to follow, saying, “It’s all in one spot, which is nice, so you can’t get lost, hopefully.” Those who want an event T-shirt must register by April 10, though registration will remain open through the morning of the event.
A new Kids’ Corner program is also on the horizon, with early registration open April 13 through April 16 for the upcoming school year. The program will serve preschool through fifth-grade students and is being developed in partnership with Ogallala Public Schools. Bostron emphasized accessibility for families, saying, “For the qualifying families, there is a subsidy that provides the program fees, so there is no cost if you are a qualifying family.” He added, “We feel very privileged to be given this opportunity.”
Swimming lesson sign-ups will take place April 20 through April 23, with sessions divided by age and skill level. Ewert stressed the importance of water safety in the area, saying, “I think swimming lessons are just so important for our community, not just because kids come to the pool, but with the lake here, it just brings another level of safety for your kid when they do go to the lake.” Lessons for younger swimmers will take place in June at the outdoor pool, which staff are preparing to open around June 1.
The YMCA is also hiring lifeguards for the summer season, with applicants needing to be at least 15 years old by late May. Ewert said staffing remains a challenge but praised the young workers who take on the role, saying, “It just takes a split second to be able and be prepared to jump in and save that kid.” She added, “I’m always so proud of the job you guys do when you’re out there and keeping everyone safe.”
Additional events are also planned in the coming months. The Mother-Son Dance is scheduled for May 1, with tickets going on sale April 20, and the Daddy-Daughter Dance will take place June 13, with tickets available beginning May 25. Ewert warned residents about online scams, saying, “There are no tickets out there yet. They haven’t even been created. So don’t fall into that trap.”