Today marks the official opening to the public of the Aquatic Center at Rankin Park, a $5.8 million facility that was constructed using funds from a bond approved by Martinez voters in 2008. The pool will be open this weekend from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Aug. 22 through Sept. 18, the pool will be open weekends from noon to 5 p.m., and on Labor Day from noon to 5 p.m.
Patch was on hand July 21, when the city celebrated the pool with an open house. The City Council was invited to be the first people in the pool, and Mayor Rob Schroder joined councilman Mark Ross for a dip. However, Scrhoder was the first in the pool with a bellyflop, thanks to an unexpected shove from fellow councilmembers Lara DeLaney and Janet Kennedy.
Also making the first dives into the pool were Park, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission members Dylan Radke and Katherine Hern.
The new pools replace the old pool, which was constructed in 1948 for a total of $800,000, which was raised by the Chamber of Commerce.
Fees for the new pools are:
3-17 years old - $2.75
18-54 years old - $5
55 and over - $4
