By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Council President Sean Elo-Rivera joined community members in an eagerly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially reopen the City Heights Swim Center.
The pool, which has been closed for more than four years, opened its doors ahead of the summer with a celebration featuring free swimming, water safety demonstrations, and a splashing good time.
“Cutting the ribbon on the new and improved City Heights Pool has been long-awaited by the community,” said Mayor Gloria. “The $4.6 million project began in 2018 and faced delays as a result of the pandemic. Now, just in time for summer, families can come to the City Heights Swim Center to cool off and enjoy aquatics programs for all ages.”
The project included major renovations to both the main pool and the children’s pool, as well as the installation of a new water play structure, slide, deck area, and drainage system. With the work at the swim center completed, the City Heights community is looking forward to hours of enjoyment and beating the summer heat.
“Every neighborhood should have safe places for fun, learning, and inspiration. That’s why this is a great day for City Heights,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “After years of waiting, the reopening of the pool means our community is regaining one of its cherished spaces that benefits people of all ages and backgrounds.”
In anticipation of a busy summer for swimming and water activities, water safety was an important component of the festivities. Council President Elo-Rivera presented Parks and Recreation Department staff with a Council Proclamation marking May as “Drowning Prevention Awareness Month” and attendees wore life jackets in support of “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day” in honor of National Water Safety Month.
The Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego also provided free first aid and water safety demonstrations as part of a public education campaign to reduce the number of water-related accidents in San Diego. According to the California Department of Public Health, 281 San Diego residents have died from drowning between 2011 and 2020, including 53 children ages 14 and younger. These numbers do not include hundreds of emergency room visits, hospital stays, and potential life-altering and permanent disabilities that have occurred due to water-related accidents.
In order to prepare for the summer season, the Parks and Recreation Department is now hiring pool guards, recreation leaders, and other positions.
“We are excited to provide the City Heights community and surrounding neighborhoods with a place to meet and cool off during the summer,” said Nicole McNeil, district manager for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatics District. “City Heights Swim Center has historically hosted the highest number of swim classes in the city, and we are committed to continue to offer programs to residents that will help them feel comfortable, confident, and safer around the water.”
The city offers year-round programs at 13 pool locations across San Diego. For more information about the city’s municipal pool system, to register for classes and for operating hours, visit sandiego.gov/pools. To preview available jobs and to apply online, visit sandiego.gov/parksjobs.