RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Beat the summer heat and take a plunge in the new Cordova Community Pool at Hagan Community Park!

A formal public dedication was held on Monday, June 28. Located at 2197 Chase Drive, the Cordova Community Pool Replacement Project includes two new pools and a pool facility building. The competitive pool includes a one-meter diving board, eight deep water swimming lanes, and two warm-up/cool-down lanes.

The project, which opened for bid in February 2020, was supported in part by Measure H Community Enhancement Funds from the city of Rancho Cordova.

Finished at an estimated cost of $7.2 million, the new pool’s design is based on its close connection to water. The pool site is surrounded by a man-made pond. A new water feature at the entrance to the new Rancho Cordova Community Pool mimics the flow of the American River as it fills a series of reservoirs and spills over the associated dams as it flows from the Sierras to the Sacramento Delta.

Its new family-friendly, zero-entry, ADA-compliant, wheelchair-accessible pool offers multiple water play features for toddlers and small children.

The project also included the building of a new 3,604 square-foot equipment/locker room building, new pool decking with pedestrian lighting, new fencing in the pool area, replacement of existing fencing to meet a “no-climb-over” requirement and related site work.

Opening remarks made by officials of the Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) during the dedication ceremony recognized the vision, dedication and much hard work of all who made the Cordova Community Pool Replacement Project come to life.

Patrick Larkin, CRPD General Manager recognized Laura L. Taylor, Park Planning Manager and Jill Nunes, Director of Parks and Recreation for their efforts in steering the project to completion.

Taylor recognized and praised the involvement of many community partners and the public for their input in selecting the final pool design. She also recognized the project’s physical engineering features which demonstrate energy savings and sustainability.

“Out with the old, and in with the new,” said Rick Sloan, 2021 Chairperson, Cordova Recreation and Parks District. “This is definitely a project from the heart. The passion that was poured into this facility will keep these two new pools full and flourishing for our community members to enjoy for another 50 years,” Sloan said.

“It’s a gorgeous day to open the pool,” said Linda Budge, Rancho Cordova city councilmember. Budge emphasized the important role the community pool has served in teaching swimming and water safety skills to living along the American River.

“We’re remembering the pool’s rich community history in teaching our young people to swim and we’re opening a chapter for generations to come,” Budge said.

Ken Cooley, 8^th District State Assemblyman praised the project’s completion on time and on budget. The Rancho Cordova Community Pool was an important part of his own family’s life, recognizing his children and generations of others who swam for the Blue Marlins and other youth teams.

A commemorative plaque gave special thanks to Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood, Vice Mayor Donald Terry and city councilmembers Linda Budge, David M. Sander and Siri Pulipati, former city councilmember Robert J. McGarvey and City Manager Cyrus Abhar.

An additional plaque recognized members of Cordova Recreation and Park District management team and the project architect LPA, Inc., pool designer Aquatic Design Group, Inc., contractor SW Allen Construction, Inc. and construction managers Salaber Associates, Inc. for their efforts in completing the project.

The Rancho Cordova Community Pool is open through August 5, Monday through Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday hours through August 6 are from 2 to 7 p.m. Park entrance fee is $5 per person.

Visit https://crpd.com/programs/aquatics/ to learn more about the city’s summer aquatics program. Group swim lessons are available this summer. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, lessons will have additional physical distancing requirements, safety protocols and limited space. Please call 916-369-9844 for more information.