New Aquatic Center Opens Saturday

The new $5.8 million Aquatic Center at Rankin Park officially opens its doors on Saturday at 11 a.m., but tomorrow members of the City Council and other officials will get a chance to jump in the pool at 6 p.m.

The community is invited to the non-swim open house tomorrow at the new facility, beginning at 4 p.m. There will be face-painting, balloons and special events, plus information on season passes and swimming events.

The pool was built thanks to a $30 million bond approved by Martinez voters in November, 2008, Measure H.

Special guests at the opening will be Barbara Anderson and Joanne Aiello, two bathing beauties who were on hand for the official opening of the city's first municipal pool in 1948. That pool was constructed for $800,000, and was considered state of the art for its time.

The new center is also considered state of the art, and will feature an adult lap pool and separate play pool for kids. The outdoor shower area features a mosaic with tiles from the former center.

Community volunteers will hold a raffle during the open house to raise money for swimming lesson scholarships. The raffle winner will receive 50 percent of the proceeds, and the other 50 percent will go toward scholarships.

For more information, phone the city's Recreation Department at (925) 372-3510.