08/08/2026
I visit the sauna at the Natatorium regularly. For the most part, my experience had been rather enjoyable, I sit, sweat, and write my books. Unfortunately, this past Sunday, August 2, 2026, my attitude towards the Nat changed. It is not unusual for a few of the older Caucasian women to not speak and turn up their noses at me (yes, I am an African- American woman). This day, a Caucasian woman walked in the sauna and sat down completely naked. The rule of the facility is that you are to at least have on a swimming suit or a towel. I asked if she could at least cover up, I did not want to see nor smell her and nor should I have too. She, in all her ignorance, responded in a negative manner. I held my composure and asked management to address the issue. The manager approached her and explained that she needed to have on clothes, she basically refused. The district manager was on the grounds who decided that it was alright for her to NOT follow the rules and have the other members to just deal with it.
When asked why it is ok for me, who pay my membership faithfully every month, to be inconvenienced as I follow the rules of the establishment. I was told well; the sign was not up so she could stay. Now, while talking to her, I saw the printed rules stating clothes have to be worn, however, they were never taken in and presented to the rude, inappropriate person.
This incident and others make me wonder if I would have had the same results had my skin been a lighter complexion. No wonder the city is referred to as “Caucasian Falls.”
The green and white sign is and has always been permanently posted right next to the sauna and the other was added AFTER she was allowed to stay naked in a sauna where little kids walk past and look into headed to and from the pool!