There's nothing like taking a cool dip after a hot day, especially in the summer weather of Los Angeles. As peak swimming season begins, the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center pool in Lake View Terrace reopened on Memorial Day weekends after being closed for the season. It will be open daily for swim and play starting Saturday.
The popular San Fernando Valley aquatic center spans 40 acres including a massive 1.5-acre pool lined with beach-like sand. There is also a nine-acre lake used for fishing and non-motorized watercraft activities.
1. Jaylia Martinez, 5, left, is splashed with water by Elijah Santillana, 6. 2. The height chart for the water slide at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center. 3. Visitors enjoy the pool at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center. (Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
“As one of the largest pools in the U.S., capacity [being] 3,500, we get a lot of people from all over the city, from all over the county, people who come from out of state to this place,” said Edwin Realegeno, aquatic facilities manager for the center.
The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center pool was built in 1999 in a $15 million project to replace a previous pool in the area that was filled with silt.
Along the sandy shores of the pool, people can use the volleyball courts and teqball table. There are also different levels of shallow water for young swimmers and toddlers.
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Van Nuys resident Paty Santillana has been visiting the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center for the past 15 years. “It's perfect for little kids. I have a 5-year-old and also a 21-year-old, who we came here with,” Santillana said. He adds that his grandchildren get excited every time he mentions a visit to the pool.
Idalia Fraga, a 12-year-old swimmer who has been to the pool twice since it reopened Memorial Day weekend, said she enjoys the pool because of its affordability.
“The prices are very cheap… it really helps families who are struggling,” Fraga said.
After some renovations to its large water slide that will reopen on Saturday, the pool is open to swimmers for a $4 entry fee for adults and children under 17 for $1. The center only accepts cash.
The recreational lake is open year-round and is stocked with fish from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Christopher Lopez relaxes by regularly fishing at the Hansen Dam recreational lake on the weekends.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
Along the lake, people enjoy walking the grassy path around it and fishing. Christopher López, a resident of Pacoima, who also goes by the nickname Squid, goes to the lake in search of the latter.
Lopez started fishing almost two months ago with his old friend from grade school. “[It’s about] getting out of the house and having something to do on the weekends and being able to enjoy the day,” he said. “I think spending our time here is a great addition.”
For Lopez, fishing for bass or trout and enjoying the occasional breeze is a perfect day to absorb the beauty of nature.
Lifeguards Israel Orozco, left, and Ian Zabel, right, watch the pool as visitors cool off at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
The recreation center is hosting a fundraiser. 1K and 5K races on Sunday Followed by a party with free access to the pool. Realegeno said the fundraiser is to help fund public pool centers throughout Los Angeles County and promote swim safety lessons.
Visit the recreation center website either instagram page for more information and updates on pool or slide closures. Hours vary.
