By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
As we begin a new year, Lakeside Chautauqua welcomes two familiar faces to the Recreation pillar – Denise Robinson as the new Director of Recreation and Sean Gill as the Recreation Program Coordinator.
Denise Robinson, Director of Recreation
Robinson has worked as Lakeside’s Programming & Aquatics Coordinator since March 2020.
“Denise brings over 30 years of experience in recreational programming and safety risk management and has a strong passion for serving and supporting Lakeside from her previous coordinator role,” said Karyn Torigoe, Lakeside’s Vice President of Programming. “This experience and passion made her a strong choice to lead the Recreation pillar.”
While serving as the Programming & Aquatics Coordinator, Robinson implemented new private, group and children’s safety swim lessons. She also trained 35-40 staff every summer and provided a safe pool atmosphere for Lakesiders.
Under her leadership, Lakeside earned the 2024 Safest & Cleanest Pool in the County award from the Ottawa County Health Department.
Robinson also has extensive experience in safety risk management and keeps the safety of Lakesiders at the forefront of all she does. In her past work, she was awarded the American Red Cross Instructor Award for training individuals who have put their skills to use and saved a life.
Sean Gill, Recreation Program Coordinator
Supporting Robinson, Lakeside has hired Gill as the new part-time, seasonal full-time Recreation Program Coordinator.
Gill will be responsible for developing and implementing Recreation and Wellness programming for all ages and skill levels. This includes managing activities, events, classes and developing programming initiatives.
Gill is a longtime Lakesider who proposed to his wife in front of Hotel Lakeside. In recent years, he’s led the LKSD 120 bike ride, been a DJ for many Lakeside summer events and the New Year’s Eve Donut Drop and shared the history of the community through guided tours. Outside the summer season, Gill is a fifth-grade teacher in Columbus.
Recreation & Wellness
Recreation and Wellness are integral to Lakeside’s mission. Each Chautauqua season, more than 200 recreation programs and experiences are planned.
Today, Lakeside’s expansive recreational facilities, 75+ seasonal employees and several community groups strengthen the fabric of wellness for all ages.
Recreational facilities include the Kiddie Pool and Splash Park; Dock; waterfront and beach; Lakeside Sailing Center with sailboats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; Bettinger Park Shuffleboard courts; the Grindley Aquatic & Wellness Campus Pool and Wellness Center; the LifeTrail Outdoor Wellness Park with 10 exercise stations; an 18-hole miniature golf course, Williams Tennis Campus, Hubbard Pickleball Center, Perry Park courts, 2-mile walking trail, four playgrounds, basketball courts, a sand volleyball court and five parks.
Plans for the Summer
Robinson isn’t skipping a beat as she begins planning the 2025 season and working with community groups to coordinate programs.
She will also oversee Gill and three supervisors who manage Shuffleboard, Tennis and Pickleball, and the Grindley Aquatic & Wellness Campus Pool and Wellness Center.
Gill will start immediately part-time and work with Robinson to ensure staffing, programming and facilities are set for the Chautauqua season.
Lakesiders of all ages engage in Recreation and Wellness, and Robinson and the Recreation Team are dedicated to assessing community needs, ensuring safe operations, planning enriching experiences, providing genuine care and building strong community partnerships.
“We plan to safely provide, support and deliver quality programs for all ages in all recreation areas,” Robinson said. “We also will be working to strengthen relationships while listening to and supporting the community groups.”
In just a few short months, Lakesiders will be be pedaling, paddling, shuffling, walking, riding, swimming and engaging in wellness activities at Lakeside.
“I’m excited to be in this position and looking forward to meeting more of the Lakeside community,” Robinson said.
