City Pool, splash pads offer respite from heat
When Porterville summers reach triple-digit temperatures that are both uncomfortable and dangerous, it’s important to remember the many locations around town that community members can visit to cool off a bit.
Porterville has plenty of cooling centers for those who need to refresh, and Porterville Parks and Leisure services offer a swimming pool and water playgrounds for kids at local parks.
For those who live near Porterville College, one of the popular attractions is the “Splash Pad” water playground for kids at the Fallen Heroes Park located at 336 Chase Avenue.
Splash pad is open to the public with running water weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer.
Another way to beat the summer heat is by going to the public swimming pool, located in Murry Park at 97 N. Park St.
Make sure you arrive on time, Tarah Patterson lifeguard at the pool said, because they often hit maximum capacity. The 5,590 square foot city pool has a capacity for 280 swimmers and features a modern zero-depth entry design with play equipment, a lap swim area, dive tank, diving board and 137-foot water slide.
Patterson has been a lifeguard at the pool for six years and said it has been a great experience to see the families and children enjoying outside during the summer heat.
“The swimming pool is great for kids and parents to have fun at the same time,” said Patterson. “It gives kids something to do and to stay busy with their friends during the
summer along with being safe with the lifeguards.”
The admission cost for the pool is of $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 12 years and younger.
As Lydia Duran rocked her baby boy Monday afternoon at the city pool, her daughter played with her friends nearby.
“From a parent's perspective, usually the pool is a high-stress situation because you have to keep an eye on the kids from going to the deep end at all times,” Duran said. “But the pool is not that deep and there are lifeguards everywhere, which relieves me a little and I feel more relaxed.”
The swimming pool is open to all Monday through Friday from 12:15 to 4:15 p.m. and then from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The pool is also available on weekends from 1 to 5 p.m.
The facility was recently renovated to include more shade and a new Ada-accessible viewing deck with shade, picnic tables, and a barbecue. The new amenities can all be used at no additional cost during the rental time.
The city pool also offers swimming lessons for all ages on weekdays and weekends.
“Our classes have a great wide range of ages,” said Patterson. “Everyone is welcome no matter the age and we accept ten people per session.”
Other cooling centers for the public are City Hall (open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and the Porterville City Library (open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m).
The Heritage Center is also open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and the Porterville Transit Center is open from Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Donnie Moore, Parks and Leisure services directo, r said more events will be happening this summer to help people to stay cool.
“We have a Dive In Theatre coming next month,” Donnie said. “The public will enjoy the view from inside the City Pool as the pool is transformed into a theatre experience for the entire family.”
For more information about cooling centers and their hours call 782-7526 or visit their web page at http://www. ci.porterville.ca.us/mods/livinghere/cooling_centers.cfm