It’s no secret that the summers can be brutal in Bakersfield, California. Temperatures in the triple digits are not uncommon and everyone looks for a way to beat the heat, either by staying planted in front of the AC or taking a dip in the pool.
If you aren’t one of the lucky few to have your own pool, go to a public pool to cool down. Most public pools are actually not that bad. They keep them clean and have lifeguards on duty. Public pools are not free but they are low cost. There are a few public pools in Bakersfield, California that you may want to consider going to. This article will detail the three best.
Public Swimming Pools in Bakersfield, California #1: NOR Community Pool
North of the River Community Pool is located at 401 Galaxy Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (in the Oildale part of town). It is located on the corner where North High School is so it is very easy to find once you are in that area.
When you first arrive, you pay at the front. It is a dollar per person. If you are male, you walk through the male locker room on the left hand side. If you’re female you go through the women’s locker room on the right hand side. The locker rooms have showers, sinks and toilets.
The pool itself is pretty large and has different depths. The right hand end is two feet, the middle front is four feet, the left hand side is three feet and the middle back is ten feet. There are also diving boards at the deep end. No other diving is allowed. You have to be on a diving board to jump in. Lifeguard Stations are set up close to the deep ends but they oversee the entire pool. At the back right hand corner of the property is a wading pool for small kids. The big pool will hold lots of people. Various areas around the pool have benches to sit on as well as some picnic tables under some shade.
No outside toys are allowed (such as rings, noodles, etc). Running is not permitted and you may be asked to leave if you keep running or your child keeps running. It’s for safety’s sack. The pavement gets slippery and no one wants to get hurt.
The pool is closed on Sundays. On Saturday’s they are open 1 PM to 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday their hours are 2 PM to 4:30. If you’d like to find out more information, you can contact someone at the pool directly at (661) 392-2006.
Public Swimming Pools in Bakersfield, California #2: McMurtreyAquaticCenter
McMurtrey Aquatic Center is a watery paradise for both kids and adults alike. They have two pools. One for more serious swimmers that have lanes and the other is for people that just want to have fun.
The one for fun is very large. One area connected to it is in wading pool that has water toys in it that kids can play with. The other area is long and shallow (kids from 7 and up should be able to stand in it with no problems) and at the back is two water slides (with a weight limit of 300) that has lifeguards constantly on duty to help people get in and out of the water slide area.
There are bathrooms with showers and changing areas for both men and women. If you get hungry, there is a concession stand but some of their prices is a little high.
McMurtrey is open seven days a week during the summer from 1 PM to 5 PM. The cost is $3 dollars per person or $10 dollars for 4 to 6 people.
McMurtrey Aquatic Center is located at 1325 Q Street Bakersfield, CA 93301-5535 and the phone number is (661) 852-7430. They are easy to find as they are located right my Maya Cinemas and the Ice Rink.
Public Swimming Pools in Bakersfield, California #3: Jefferson Pool
Jefferson Pool at Jefferson Park is located on the corner of Bernard Street and Beale Avenue (parks do not have an address so drive to the street location).
They have open swimming hours from 1 PM to 5 PM Monday through Sunday. The fee is $1 dollar per person which is pretty affordable.
The pool itself has been recently refurbished so if you remember an older pool that didn’t seem that neat to swim in, now you’ll be swimming in a newer model. There is also a separate area for younger children that can’t swim or can’t swim that well. Lifeguards are on duty to protect the masses.
Call (661) 326-3866 if you have any questions.
