Santa Ana sets five weekly swim hours for children at renovated pools

Santa Ana plans to open its renovated Memorial Aquatic Center to residents Saturday, but children under 16 will get only five hours of swimming each week under the announced schedule, according to Voice of OC. The opening follows scrutiny of a ribbon-cutting ceremony held before regular public access began.

The limited schedule puts youth access to a public recreation facility at the center of questions about city staffing and spending. City officials are recruiting part-time lifeguards while planning a gradual expansion to full service in spring 2027.

The pool had been shut for at least a year during the overhaul, Voice of OC reported. A ribbon cutting took place Oct. 17, but regular public access did not begin with that event.

The announced programming includes Saturday recreational swimming, with lap swimming and water walking for residents 16 and older beginning the following week. That age group will have about 13.5 hours of weekly pool time. Admission for Santa Ana residents is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for children.

Councilman Johnathan Hernandez said children should have at least eight hours of Saturday swimming, according to Voice of OC. Maria Zacarias, a former city parks and recreation commissioner, said the limited access represented a missed opportunity to engage young people in activities.

Councilman Ben Vazquez said staffing constraints limited the hours available. He also described concerns about water temperature and chlorine balance, along with disagreement between engineers and parks staff over whether the facility was ready to open, Voice of OC reported.

The city advertised part-time lifeguard jobs the same day it announced the limited schedule. Months earlier, it had reduced spending by $11 million to balance its budget, including $5 million involving vacant positions and part-time spending, according to Voice of OC.

Hernandez, Vazquez and former Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Roberto Herrera alleged that the earlier unveiling had political motives. Those allegations were not established as fact. Voice of OC reported that the city spokesman, city manager, mayor and several councilmembers did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

According to the city news release cited by Voice of OC, programming will expand gradually, with observed holidays and inclement weather excluded from service. The unveiling date for the aquatic center’s restored Chicano mural remained unclear.