Best Public Pools In Sacramento
Sacramento is full of fun opportunities for water lovers, from splashing in the dancing water fountain at Cal Expo, riding the slides at water parks and skiing on the American River to paddling a kayak at Lake Natoma and fishing at Southside Park. And when temperatures in the area begin to sizzle, locals head out to find a swimming pool to enjoy with their family and friends. The City of Sacramento's Department of Parks and Recreation operates a number of safe and clean public pools, and the following are among the best. Ages 17 and younger get in for only $2, adults for $4 and some discounts are available. So grab a towel, the family and some sunscreen, and get right into the swim of things.
Clunie Pool
McKinley Park
601 Alhambra Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 264-5301
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Dive in early during the pre-season at McKinley Park, where the pool opens for recreational swimming and laps on weekend afternoons from May 24 through June 15. The official 2014 season at Clunie Pool begins June 17 and runs through September 1, weather permitting. This location offers swimming lessons and water aerobics, and has a wading pool in which to stay cool. Regular swim hours during the summer are Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends; the pool is closed on Mondays. Special open hours apply on certain dates and for lessons, aerobics and lap swimming, so check the website for info before heading out.
Glenn Hall Pool
Glenn Hall Park
5415 Sandburg Drive
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 277-6071
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This East Sacramento pool is available from June 16 through August 24, but is closed on Tuesdays. Recreational swim times are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the week, except for Thursdays, when the pool is open for Family Night from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. During Family Night, anyone in the family can get in for $2 when accompanied by a parent. Swim lessons are offered at the pool, and Glenn Hall is home to the River Rats swim team. The park also features tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, playground equipment and river access.
231 Eleanor Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 566-6421
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The Johnston Pool is open from June 9 through August 10, and is closed on Thursdays. The Family Night special is on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with regular hours the rest of the week from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Swim lessons are available, and Johnson Park has a community center and craft room as well.
McClatchy Park Pool
3500 5th Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 277-6041
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McClatchy Park Pool pool is open from June 16 through August 24, every day of the week except Fridays. Mondays are Family Night at this location from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with normal hours the other days from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Swimming lessons are also available. McClatchy Park also has a wading pool, ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a disc golf course and an amphitheater for concerts.
Oki Park
2715 Wissemann Drive
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 277-6160
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Oki Park has a pool and wading pool that are open from June 16 through August 24. Recreational swimming is available from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with swimming lessons offered after 5 p.m. on those days. The park also has a picnic area, volleyball, tennis, basketball and a fun water spraying area for those hot Sacramento days.
Play Pools
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The city also offers free admission to special pools made just for children ages seven and younger. Parents must be there to supervise the kids though, as it is not a day care service. Play pools are available at locations including William Land Park, Mama Marks Park and McClatchy Park. For hours and other details, call (916) 808-2306 or visit the website.
Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
