Citizen Spotlight: Donna Best-Carlton

Donna Best-Carlton usually has a lot of planning, organizing and preparing to do each day at the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center. Her goal is to make sure the community has a plethora of recreational activities to keep them busy. And she loves every minute of her job. “I love serving everyone in this community from age 6 to 86,” says Carlton.

[quote_center]“It just all began with someone giving me a chance and believing in me and allowing me to volunteer here and then eventually get a job.”[/quote_center]

Carlton lived in California before later relocating to Lake Havasu City in 1969. Carlton began working at the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center as a volunteer and soon found herself moving up within the organization.

Donna and McGruff. Submitted photo by Donna Best Carlton

“It just all began with someone giving me a chance and believing in me and allowing me to volunteer here and then eventually get a job,” Carlton said. Since then, she has worked as the recreation supervisor and has been with the Aquatic Center for 28 years and is keeping residents of all ages busy with community and recreational programs year round. Carlton took some time from her busy schedule to discuss her life and why she enjoys her community.

What is one of the best parts of this community? “I love how everyone supports parks and recreation and the Aquatic Center. The community is very generous and believes in what we do, especially when it comes to sponsoring community events. Organizations really step up to help us out.”

How many programs are offered at the Aquatic Center? “Currently we have 38 programs which include special community assisted events and recreational ones. We also have a successful after-school program that we are very thankful for the schools’ partnership, their partnership is huge for the success especially when it comes to the summer camp programs.”

Donna and her family. Submitted photo by Donna Best-Carlton

What are some of the things you like to do in your spare time? “I really find that the time I spend with family and friends is more enjoyable for me. Time spent with them is very valuable. I also enjoy baking and cooking.”

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in life or from your career? “I learned something very powerful from a quote I heard a few years ago. ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ It’s such a great quote and I believe it is so true.”

What is your favorite part of living in Lake Havasu City? “I love that there is so much to do in here. It’s such a recreational town I don’t feel like I have to go out-of-town for vacation living here is like my own mini vacation I don’t really need to go elsewhere.”