Outdoor pools open June 24; Conestoga splash pad open

Grab your towels and some sunscreen, THPRD's two outdoor pools are set to open on June 24.

Somerset West Swim Center (18300 NW Parkview Blvd.) and Raleigh Swim Center (3500 SW 78th Avenue) will host children’s lessons, adult classes and lap swimming along with open swim time for the whole family.

Both pools will be open for open swim ONLY on Saturday and Sunday -- Raleigh from 1-4:30 pm, and Somerset West from 1-4 pm. A full schedule resumes on Monday.

• Raleigh Swim Center schedule
• Somerset West Swim Center schedule

THPRD offers swimming programs year-round at its six indoor pools, but “there’s something special about our outdoor facilities,” said Sharon Hoffmeister, THPRD’s superintendent of Aquatics. “People love them.”

In fact, the open-air pools are so popular, Hoffmeister has fielded several calls from residents requesting that the district open them earlier.

“Our seasonal schedules are tied to the Beaverton School District calendar, which has a later release date this year,” she explained.

The later opening has intensified preparation for THPRD, Hoffmeister said: “We usually train summer staff over the course of a week. This year, we’re doing it all in two days.”

The wading pool at Sunset Swim Center will be available for guests 6 and younger; it's a great place to introduce young kids to the water.

• Sunset wading pool schedule

Most of the district’s 300 part-time Aquatics positions have already been filled for the summer, but some lifeguards, swim instructors, water fitness instructors and front desk staff may still be needed. Filling part-time positions has been challenging the past 2-3 years, Hoffmeister said.

• Lifeguard training and certification
• Current job listings

To get more youth certified, the district is offering a variety of programs and incentives. This includes certification discounts to high school swimmers and water polo players and waiving the fee entirely for youth who have taken a junior lifeguard course and volunteered at least 50 hours.

There’s even a hire-to-train program for youth who successfully complete an interview process and can pass a lifeguard training prerequisite swim test.

Conestoga splash pad open now

For those just looking to play in the spray, Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center (9985 SW 125th Avenue, right next to Southridge High School) offers an outdoor splash pad.

The 4,500-square-foot facility, open daily from 10 am to dusk, is designed for children of all ages. A toddler bay includes several low-spraying features. For older children, the site includes dumping buckets and sprays that can be aimed at each other for added fun. The public can rent all or part of the splash pad for special events.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 240,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.