New Energy, New Faces, New Hours: Miskwaanakwadookwe Aquatic and Fitness Center

May 3, 2026

By Vivian LaMioore, Inaajimowin Editor

Exciting things are happening at the Miskwaanakwadookwe Aquatic and Fitness Center - and staff hope Band members will take advantage of the expanded opportunities to get active, have fun, and build healthy habits for themselves and their families.

Since March 2026, Site Manager Jereck Weyaus has been working alongside staff to bring new energy and expanded services to the center, including extended hours, additional staff, and new fitness programming.

The center will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting May 3. This will make it easier for community members to find time to stop in.

The facility is working towards being fully staffed with a fitness coordinator, trainers and certified lifeguards. Current lifeguards are Meisha Oswaldson, Amber Shingobe, and Jeffrey Wonstall who serve as both trainers and lifeguards, along with Operations Team Members Jerome Lapointe, Shelby Harrington, and Site Manager Jereck Weyaus.

For Oswaldson, helping people feel comfortable walking through the doors of the fitness center is one of the most important parts of her job.

"As a trainer, I want you to know this space is for you — no matter where you're starting," she said. "This isn't about perfection — its about growth, healing, and showing up as you are."

For many people, going into a gym for the first time, or the first time in a long time, can feel overwhelming and daunting. Oswaldson understands that hesitation and encourages people to start small.

"Walking into the gym can feel intimidating, but that first step is powerful," she said.

For those new to exercise or returning after time away, she recommends beginning slowly with stretching, balance exercises, and resistance band work before progressing to more advanced training.

She believes in a mind-body-spirit approach to fitness. Even small steps can quickly lead to positive changes.

"In one week, you will mentally feel better about yourself," Oswaldson said. "In two weeks, you will feel it in your body."

She encourages beginners to start with short workouts once or twice a week.

"Start with 20 minutes, one or two times a week. In six weeks, you will see results," she said.

For Oswaldson, fitness goes beyond physical health.

Her message to anyone unsure about whether they belong in a gym is simple:

"You're not alone. Just walk through the doors, and we'll build from there — together."

As new clients sign up for personal training, they begin with an intake form to discuss goals and any health restrictions recommended by a doctor. Trainers can adapt exercises with lighter weights or alternative movements so clients can safely reach their goals.

"Repetition and consistency are key in any workout," Oswaldson said.

Her personal favorite workout day?

"Leg day," she said with a smile. "Even if you don't feel like it, just do it."

Weyaus said he hopes the center becomes more than just a place to work out — he wants it to be a gathering place where Band members of all ages feel welcome.

This place is for you to use," he said. "Come down and use it. Please."

Weyaus brings a lifelong interest in athletics and fitness to the role. Before joining the fitness center staff, he spent 27 years working in gaming at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. In his younger years he was an accomplished runner and boxer, training under Harry Davis and Reginald Gahbow.

"I used to run a six-minute mile. I even got it down to 5:20." With a laugh, he added, "Now it would probably take me 30 minutes."

Weyaus still enjoys basketball and baseball and hopes to expand outdoor programming this summer.

"We have that beautiful ball field," he said. "We need to use it." Plans are already underway for youth softball activities this summer.

In addition to athletics and fitness programs, Weyaus hopes to expand the centers offerings with community-focused classes that bring people together. Ideas currently being explored include swimming classes, the Moccasin Game, the Dish Game, beadwork, sewing, and other creative or culture-based classes, allowing community members to gather, learn new skills, and spend time together in a welcoming environment.

"We want people to feel comfortable coming here - whether it's for fitness, activities, or just to connect," he said.

Another addition on the horizon is an aquatic Zumba class, which will be offered on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The class instructor is Kimberly Big Bear. Anyone interested in this upbeat class that combines music, movement, and the benefits of water exercise can just show up and be ready for class in the pool. May programming also includes two yoga classes that will be one hour in length. The first yoga class will be held on Mondays and will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday's class will be held from 11 a.m. to noon. The yoga instructor is Shena Matrious.

Families visiting the center will also be able to enjoy the splash pad, which will be open daily Monday through Saturday during regular operating hours, weather permitting. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Weyaus said he hopes to see more children and families taking advantage of the facility.

"We want to encourage kids to come and start healthy habits now," he said. He would also like to see more Elders visiting the fitness center.

"Movement is so important as we age," he said In addition to expanded programming, the center will soon welcome a Fitness Coordinator who graduated from college with a degree in kinesiology, who will assist staff trainers beginning in June.

Weyaus said the long-term goal is to build strong community participation and help the center become financially sustainable.

The facility has operated at a loss since opening, but Weyaus is working with Gilda Burr, Commissioner of Administration, to develop ideas that could help bring the center to profitability. In the meantime, his message to the community remains simple:

"This place is for you," he said.

Whether someone is looking to improve their fitness, relax in the pool, or simply try something new, staff say the doors are open. And the first step is simply walking through them.

• Currently hiring a Fitness Coordinator, a Maintenance Tech-nician, one fulltime team member position, and two parttime team member positions.

Meet the staff