Denton Parks and Recreation wins Texas Public Pool Council safety award

Denton Parks and Recreation received the Texas Public Pool Council's Safety Program of the Year Award on Jan. 13 for a new ASL swim lessons program at the Denton Natatorium, launched last summer by ASL interpreter and instructor Savannah Boyd.

Denton Parks and Recreation has received the Texas Public Pool Council's Safety Program of the Year Award for a recently created American Sign Language (ASL) swim lessons program at the Denton Natatorium. The program began last summer after families asked where hearing‑impaired children could find swim lessons. Savannah Boyd, an ASL interpreter and swim instructor, partnered with the Natatorium to offer lessons in ASL and to work with lifeguards on communication. The award was announced on Jan. 13. Key details: - The program had three families with four children who are deaf or hard of hearing take part last summer. - Summer lessons were hosted in three‑day blocks from June 9 through July 31 at the Denton Natatorium. - Boyd began a Cold Water Rescue course on Jan. 8 that is scheduled to run through Feb. 5. - Paul Morgan, aquatics operation supervisor, is working with Boyd to provide ASL training for lifeguards and add signage that displays commonly used ASL signs. - Boyd graduated from Tarrant County College in May 2024, works as an ASL interpreter at Denton ISD, and has expressed a goal of one day having a person with a hearing disability run the program. Summary: The award recognizes local efforts to increase accessibility in swim instruction for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Staff and partners are continuing classes and training, including the ongoing Cold Water Rescue course and planned ASL training for lifeguards and signage at the Natatorium. Organizers have described intentions to expand lessons and further adapt the program over time.