Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham: Who can join + new member tips

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You’ve probably seen the sign marking the turn for Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Old Montgomery Highway. You may also know it’s an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site.

But did you know about 5,000 locals go there regularly, too? Every month, Lakeshore Foundation members and other visitors account for about 13,000 visits!

For a peek behind the numbers, we asked the folks who have welcomed members by name for years—the front desk pros.

Keep reading to learn more about what Lakeshore offers and how to become a member.

Who goes to Lakeshore Foundation?

While Lakeshore’s long-established history and mission center on serving individuals with disabilities, people of all abilities make up its membership, which is open to:

• ♿ Adults + children with a physical disability or chronic condition
• 🎂 Anyone age 60 or older
• 🎖️ Honorably discharged local veterans
• 🏠 Qualifying members’ immediate household family members

“Lakeshore is much more than a fitness facility. We’re a community centered on health, wellness, recreation, sport and inclusion. Once people visit and experience the environment firsthand, they often realize how welcoming, supportive and diverse our membership community truly is.”
_{– Barett Amato, Lakeshore Foundation Membership Coordinator of 8 years}

“I tell members all the time that it won’t take long to find a friend here; I have seen relationships develop over time that will last a long time.”
_{– Brad Lawler, Lakeshore Foundation Front Desk Professional of 9 years}

How do you become a Lakeshore member? Get more details here on membership rates + apply today.

What facilities + programs does Lakeshore offer?

Some of the most popular amenities at Lakeshore include:

• 🏊 Aquatics Center with 2 heated pools
• 🏋️ 6,000-square-foot Fitness Center with adapted equipment
• 🏃 Fieldhouse with 3 gym courts + a MONDO® 200-meter track

Programs at Lakeshore span ages and interests, including:

• Adult recreation: archery, boccia, cycling, disc golf, pickleball, air rifle shooting + more
• Youth recreation: summer camps, climbing, family fun nights, holiday parties + other special events
• Competitive youth sports: adapted swimming, boccia, archery, shooting, power soccer + wheelchair basketball
• Competitive adult sports: adapted golf, powerlifting, power soccer + wheelchair basketball, rugby, football + tennis

What can members expect at Lakeshore?

From day one, you’ll feel at home, and the front desk crew makes sure of it. Several team members have been with Lakeshore for a decade or more.

Whether working with familiar people or new members, the team says they begin interactions with a friendly greeting, ask questions and listen.

“Every member’s journey is unique, and a simple welcome or hello can make a meaningful difference, because you never know what someone might be going through. Lakeshore Foundation is more than a gym; it’s a community where people encourage and support one another. We are all in this together.”
_{– Daniel Kamber, Lakeshore Foundation Front Desk Professional of 14+ years}

“I believe asking someone if they need help instead of assuming they need help is very important.”
_{– Susan Mitchell, Lakeshore Foundation Front Desk Professional of 9 years}

Meet Lakeshore Chief Canine Officer Tune

Another popular member of the greeting team at Lakeshore is Labrador Retriever and Chief Canine Officer Tune, who is usually on-site Monday through Thursday interacting with guests and staff. She joined Lakeshore as a 2-year-old and will turn 7 this December.

Some members call ahead of their visits to be sure they’ll see Tune.

Unlike service dogs who work with individuals and aren’t to be petted while working, Tune was trained as a facility dog, so people petting her is part of her job.

She takes that very seriously, along with greeting favorite members and showing off her skills for carrots and blueberries, according to her handler, Lakeshore Recreation & Athletics Coordinator Lori Watkins, who shared Tune’s pawspective:

“I don’t like to take naps at work because I might miss something fun! Monday is my favorite day of the week because I get to go back to work!”
_{– Tune, Lakeshore Chief Canine Officer}

Ready to experience the good vibes of Lakeshore Foundation yourself? Visit Lakeshore.org for more information + schedule a visit.

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