Rose Bowl Aquatic Center via Facebook
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Pasadena announced it will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 16 with regular hours of operation, following a nine-day closure prompted by a devastating wildfire emergency that affected patrons, employees and Board members.
The center’s staff spent more than a week removing debris, vacuuming pools, addressing facility issues and cleaning surfaces throughout the complex, said Melanie Sauer, Interim Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer.
Health officials from the Pasadena Health Department have verified that the facility’s pools meet industry safety standards for public use, while the center worked with City officials and fire departments to accommodate first responders.
“Thank you for the kindness you have shown to us at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center during this tragic wildfire emergency,” Sauer wrote in a statement.
The reopening will proceed with a staggered schedule, with lap swimming, independent use, water fitness in the recreation pool, yoga, dive, water polo, and masters swim teams resuming Thursday.
The Rays Team and water fitness programs in both recreation and therapy pools will resume Friday, Jan. 17, while group, private, and adaptive swim lessons restart Jan. 20, followed by wellness classes Jan. 21.
The center has established a Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Cares Fund to provide relief from program fees and donated vendor gear for those affected by the emergency, while also collecting gift card donations for impacted employees.
Parking arrangements have been modified in coordination with California Fire and Pasadena officials, with visitors directed to enter through the first two entrances on the south end of Lot I via Holly Street.
“While the road to recovery will be long and challenging for many, I hope that the water will once again offer inspiration and an outlet for healing to all who visit,” Sauer said.
