Pasadena residents are flocking to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center this summer, taking advantage of the public pool before it closes for extensive renovations ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. The facility, which serves more than 400,000 visitors annually, offers swim lessons, aquatic exercise classes and open‑lane recreation, providing a vital cooling‑off spot during the region’s heat wave.
Programs and Services Before the Shutdown
Center staff emphasize the breadth of services available to families and individuals. “We provide them with swim lessons, suits, goggles, towels—just everything they need to be successful in their journey to learn how to swim,” said Karen Meza‑Cortez, a director at the Aquatics Center. The pool’s schedule includes beginner lessons for children, adult fitness classes, and open swim hours for casual recreation.
Olympic‑Standard Upgrades Planned
In April 2027, the pool will close to the public to undergo upgrades required for the LA28 Games. Executive Director Melanie Sauer explained that the springboard and three‑meter diving boards will be replaced, and a new dive tower will be installed to meet Olympic standards. “That’s part of the Olympic standard that we have to achieve,” Sauer said.
Relocating Programs During Construction
While the Rose Bowl facility is offline, the center is working with local high schools and colleges to relocate its programming. Sauer noted that discussions are ongoing with about 50 potential pool sites, though specific locations have not yet been confirmed. The goal is to maintain continuity for the thousands of swimmers who rely on the center’s lessons and fitness classes.
Community Impact
The temporary closure will affect a broad cross‑section of Pasadena families, many of whom view the Aquatics Center as an affordable, community‑focused resource. Parents appreciate the center’s provision of equipment and its role in teaching water safety—a skill especially important in a region where many homes lack private pools.
Looking Ahead
Once renovations are complete, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center will re‑open with facilities that meet the rigorous standards of an Olympic venue, positioning Pasadena to host international athletes and spectators during the 2028 Games. Until then, the center encourages residents to take advantage of the remaining summer weeks for swimming, lessons, and exercise.
For updates on program relocation and reopening dates, visitors should check the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s official website or contact the center directly.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
