Renovated Aquatic Center

Beatrice Negulescu / Roundup

Pierce College’s freshly renovated Aquatic Center opened July 6.

Named after Maters Swimmer Steven E. Schofield, the Aquatic Center includes the competition pool, which was renovated, and a newly built wellness pool.

The competition pool, originally built in 1978, is 25 meters wide and 25 yards long and is kept at 82 degrees, which is slightly cooler than the wellness pool, which averages 86 degrees.

Jared Meyer, pool supervisor and lifeguard, said the new pools have been used more frequently than the older ones.

Open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., the pools offer a variety of swimming classes to the community, and host water polo practice for high schools such as Crespi Carmelite and El Camino Real high schools.

Also offered at the new aquatic center are swimming lessons for all ages which cost about $65 for a two-week session. The lessons are offered at various times during the week as well as the weekends.

Meyer confirmed that the pools also play host to recreational swimmers within the Pierce community for three one-hour slots every day. The entrance fee is $2 for those 18 years and older and $1 for 17 years and under.

Nursing student Brittney Becaria, 21, uses the morning slot from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. to swim laps and says that “it helps [her] keep in shape.”

Other times the pool is open for recreational swimming include noon to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“I think it’s really great what they did with the pool,” Becaria said. “The renovations look great and it was a good investment.”

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