Sonoma’s new public-access pool opens October 16

A community swimming pool in Sonoma, a project first launched in 2014, will be realized October 16 with the opening on an aquatics center at Sonoma Valley High School. Nonprofit operator Sonoma Splash will host a free Community Day Celebration from 11am to 4pm.

The event marks the official opening of the two-pool facility for community use. Valley residents can take a dip, tour the the state-of-the-art, multi-use aquatics facility, and learn more about upcoming programs.

“It’s a literal dream come true to finally welcome our local community to the new aquatics facility,” said Paul Favaro, board president of Sonoma Splash. “It’s taken years to get to where we are today, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of the partners, donors, and everyone who helped make this vision a reality.

The aquatics facility project began in 2014 and saw many locations and variations over the years before landing at the Sonoma Valley High School campus, a result of the partnership between Sonoma Splash and Sonoma Valley Unified School District (SVUSD).

The new facility will serve as a vibrant community hub, and functional seven days a week throughout the year, Favaro said.

“We’re thrilled to increase aquatic access to Sonoma Valley, in partnership with SVUSD, through a thoughtful, sustainable model that welcomes our students and residents of all ages and abilities.”

While SVUSD was responsible the construction process, Sonoma Splash is will handle  daily operations, community programming, and hiring employees.

The October 16 event is free; light snacks will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring their bathing suits to get in and enjoy the water. No RSVP is required.

Upon opening this month, the aquatics center will host school-sanctioned sports and events, along with the following programs for the broader community; learn-to-swim for all ages, water aerobics and yoga, master’s swimming, as well as recreational and lap swimming.

The larger competition pool will have limited hours at the onset of opening to ensure partner and SVUSD can prioritize physical education and athletic programs. The instructional pool will be open seven days a week and during school hours to host swim programs and recreational swimming.

There will be a charge for memberships and public day-use. Fee schedule.

For more information on the event and how to participate, please contact Jane Hansen at [email protected]