Ives Pool summer programs in full swing, improvements keep coming

Splashing around at Ives Pool in Sebastopol has created
generations of summer childhood memories for many throughout West
County. The pool is more than 65 years old and although it may be
the most historic public pool in Sonoma County, it’s in tip-top
condition, as a result of several years of maintenance and
renovation.
“This is the busiest summer we’ve ever had,” said Ricardo
Freitas, Manager of Ives Pool. Freitas welcomes the large groups.
“A swimming pool without people is not fun,” he said. For years
Freitas has worked diligently to increase foot traffic to the pool
by expanding popular programs and extending the pool hours to
accommodate a community of swimmers.
Ives was the destination of a number of year-end school field
trips this year and it’s where many local kids have learned to take
their first strokes. A wide range of classes are currently in full
swing including the addition of new classes and levels. “We have
some of the best teachers in Sonoma County,” said Freitas who is
proud to offer a new Introduction to Life guarding class to the
schedule this year. “Students who complete all other classes can
now begin lifeguard training,” said Freitas.
Thanks to community support and assistance from the City of
Sebastopol, the bottom of the pool was resurfaced in 2004 followed
by the installation of new pumps and solar panels that have created
a state of the art facility. “Everyday the pool saves money by
using solar energy, and we are reducing our carbon footprint,” said
Freitas.
Improvements to the pool continue and the next big project will
involve solar heating the water used for showers in the locker
room. Also new to the pool this year is the addition of a
defibrillator. “We’re always trying to make the pool safer,” said
Freitas who expects the new device to be installed within the next
couple of weeks.
For more information about Ives Pool and its programs visit
www.ivespool.org.