Hiram Johnson High School Pool Becomes a Neighborhood Asset During the Summer Months

Sacramento, California, June 1, 2004 – Summer fun in Sacramento is often linked to water-based recreation, especially as the temperature rises. This summer, the City of Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation will operate 15 swimming pools and 16 wading pools located throughout the city. The newest pool facility operated by the Department opened at Hiram Johnson High School three years ago, and includes a swimming pool and a wading pool.

"The community pool at Hiram Johnson is one of our hidden treasures," said Sacramento City Councilmember Dave Jones. "Too few neighbors are aware that it is open to the public during the summer months."

Located adjacent to the sports fields at the rear of campus buildings, the pool is not visible from the perimeter of the campus, thus nearby residents may not be aware that they have a neighborhood pool programmed by the City of Sacramento. Pool parking is accessible from Redding Avenue, located off of 14th Street.

"We believe very strongly in cooperative programs with local school districts,” said Ralph Pettingell, Recreation Manager for the Department of Parks and Recreation. “The pool facility at Hiram Johnson High School is a perfect example. It benefits the students during the school year, and we are able to provide swim lessons and recreational opportunities to the public during the summer."

Both pools are open now for public recreational swim on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Mondays and Fridays from 1 to 7 p.m. Parents can relax knowing that all swimmers are playing under the watch of lifeguards, many trained in the City of Sacramento’s own Lifeguard Academy.

Swim lessons begin at the swimming pool on June 22, and are offered in two-week sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for 40 minutes each day for a total of six classes. Beginning, intermediate and advanced classes are offered for youth, along with a Stroke and Turn Clinic, Junior Lifeguard program, and Summer Swim Team. Most classes are $39.

Toddlers can learn basic water skills at the wading pool in the Bubble Blowers class, which runs on a two-week schedule as above, but classes are only 25 minutes. This class is $20. The wading pool has a large mushroom-shaped play feature that sprays a circular waterfall, making lessons fun for toddlers and accompanying adults.

Both pools close for the season on August 15.

For more information on aquatic programs and swim lessons call (916) 277-6060 or see the complete summer schedule at www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/aquatics online.