“SWIMMING HOLES EAST” Announces 10th Anniversary on the Web
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Added: 05/01/2004
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“SWIMMING HOLES EAST” Announces 10th Anniversary on the Web
the information on the web site is free and provides maps, descriptions and photos of the swimming holes, driving directions, global satellite positions, and links to online maps, where available. The content also features recommendations for “family-friendly” visits, safety tips for swimming in natural areas, and strong warnings about potentially dangerous waters. The content is catalogued by state, with 22 eastern states in detail and selected spots in many western states as well.
The site was created out of a love for the outdoors. Its founder is Tom Hillegass, a 60 year old, semi-retired engineer and occasional freelance writer from Alexandria, Virginia. The project was conceived and built in 1994 by him and his college-aged daughter, and began with only 35 listings. After ten years, there are now 750 locations listed, and the site’s usage has grown from obscurity to 300,000 visitors in 2003. More recently, David Hajdasz of Meriden, CT has joined Tom in this endeavor. Dave has contributed abundant information and photos through the years, and is now responsible for all the listings in New England. Tom and Dave add new locations from their own exploration and also post information emailed in by swimming-hole enthusiasts.
The site is entirely a hobby of the creators and generates no revenue. There are no plans to change its non-commercial status, according to Hillegass. “Maintaining this site fits with the lifestyle I want to live. I love to travel, camp, hike and explore. I get to keep up with technology, and as a freelance writer I get lots of stories and ideas from my experiences.” Hillegass continues, “I like sharing information for others to enjoy, plus I feel that in the long run, publicizing these natural sites will increase awareness of them and will motivate others to protect them.”
The site has been featured in publications such as Time Magazine, AAA World, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, and others. Download photos for publication and get further information by visiting http://www.swimmingholes.org/inpress.htm.
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