Community Corner
Coolest Spot in Town Draws Big Crowds
On hot days, people from all over the Valley come to the pool on Huston Street in Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park.
The temperature on the US Bank building on Van Nuys Boulevard was flashing triple digits at 3 p.m., and people walking by were drenched with sweat, but barely a mile north, the large swimming pool at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park was crowded with people Thursday who were enjoying the coolest spot in town.
"On days like today, we get over 500 people in the pool," said Nivar Rivera, director of the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Aquatic Center at the park.
"We get everybody, and I mean everybody," said his assistant David Vandersmith. "They come here from all over the Valley because this is the best public pool in the area. We get little kids, teenagers, older people and even people from over the hill," he added.
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The large pool was crowded with children and adults. Some were swimming, others just standing in the cool, blue-green water. Many parents were sitting on the edge of the pool, dangling their feet in the water, watching their kids.
The pool rules require that every child under 7 must be accompanied by an adult and the adult must be within one arm's length of the child at all times.
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"On the kinds of hot days we're getting this week, the pool fills up early and some people stay all day," Vandersmith said.
For children 17 and younger, use of the pool is free. Adults are charged $2.50.
The pool is open until 8:30 p.m. during the week, and some adults come for a swim after work.
"Every hour, we check the water quality to make sure the pool is fresh and clean," Vandersmith said.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the pool is open from noon to 5 p.m.
On weekdays, adult lap swimming starts at 6 a.m. and goes to 9 a.m. There are group lessons for beginners and intermediate swimmers. The staff also offers courses in water aerobics and there are adult water polo workouts on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
"Still, in this heat wave, it's all about keeping cool," said Rivera.
"Even if it's hot next week, many of the kids will be back in school so it won't be so crowded," added Vandersmith.
For information, call 818-783-6721.
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