Brooklyn Center Teens Talk About National Award for Swim Program

(CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) – Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation has received national recognition from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), earning the 2026 Innovation in Equity Award for its Reciprocal Swim Lessons program.

A group of children listen to swimming instructors McKenzie Xiong, left, and Basma Fadul, right, at the Brooklyn Center Community Center swimming pool.

The award recognizes park and recreation agencies across the country that are creating innovative programs that strengthen communities and expand access and opportunity. Brooklyn Center was honored for a swim program designed to remove barriers to water safety education while building confidence, leadership, and career pathways for local youth.

The Reciprocal Swim Lessons program provides free swim instruction for students at Brooklyn Center Middle /Senior High School during and after the school day. Transportation, swimsuits, goggles, swim caps, and instruction are all provided at no cost to participants.

“I always saw swimming as a hobby, but then when I got into the program, I got more comfortable, and I would describe it as getting out of my comfort zone, going into the water,” said 16-year-old Basma Fadul, who is an instructor who completed the program in her freshman year at Brooklyn Center High School. “I’m so blessed I live in Brooklyn Center and and can get this opportunity.”

What makes the program unique is its “reciprocal teaching” model, where students support and encourage one another while learning under the supervision of certified Water Safety Instructors. The approach helps participants develop teamwork, communication skills, and confidence while gaining critical water safety experience.

Across the 2025 spring and fall sessions, 38 students participated in the program, most entering with little or no prior swim experience.

Participants reported significant increases in water confidence after completing the program.

“If you would have asked me two years ago, I would not have imagined me being at this pool right now,” said 15-year-old McKenzie Xiong, another instructor who is a rising sophomore at Park Center High School. “I’m really grateful for everything this program has given me: new connections, new bonds, everything.”

The program was intentionally created to address national drowning disparities that disproportionately impact Black, Hispanic, immigrant, multilingual, and low-income youth. In addition to teaching life-saving skills, the program also creates employment opportunities in aquatics.

Nine students have since been hired into Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation aquatics positions and are working toward certifications as Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. Several participants have already earned certifications and now help mentor newer students entering the program.

Families shared that the program has had a lasting impact on their children’s confidence, leadership skills, and future opportunities. Parents described seeing youth overcome fears of water, develop stronger communication and job skills, and become role models for younger community members.

The program also emphasizes representation by building a diverse aquatics staff that reflects the community it serves. Participants now regularly return to the pool with friends and family members, helping spread water safety knowledge throughout the community.

NRPA will formally recognize Brooklyn Center during the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia this September.

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