By Jean Merriam
Whether it is family fun you are after, a way to beat the summer heat, or a refreshing alternative to your everyday workout, Palm Desert Aquatic Center (PDAC) has the answers you are looking for this summer. With three pools, multiple slides, diving boards, and a variety of play features designed for water lovers of all ages, PDAC has something for everyone. All or part of the eight-acre facility can be rented for private parties, corporate events, swimming competitions, and other special occasions. Located in Palm Desert Civic Center Park, PDAC is owned by the City of Palm Desert and operated by Family YMCA of the Desert.
When the temperatures start to rise and your kids are tired of being cooped up indoors, or maybe you are ready for them to spend some time out of the house, head down to PDAC. The recreational pool is open seven days a week 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and the splash playground, slides, and diving boards are open on weekends 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Beginning Saturday, May 27, all attractions will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on the weekends and beginning June 14, the attractions will be open during the week as well. PDAC will also be celebrating Family Swim Day on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Do you have kids who don’t know how to swim? PDAC has you covered there too! Summer swim lessons kick off with Free Swim Lesson Day on Saturday, May 13, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Kids can receive free 30-minute swim lessons before heading off to the water attractions, which open an hour early for the day at 10:00 a.m. This is also the first day to sign up for summer swim lessons, do not miss out on the opportunity to have first choice of the summer swim class schedule. If you can’t make it to Free Swim Lesson Day, you can sign up for swim lessons all summer long at pdpool.com.
According to the US Census Bureau, swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the United States and a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity. And let’s be honest, in the Coachella Valley, the popularity of swimming increases dramatically during the summer as high temperatures restrict other forms of outdoor exercise. PDAC offers fun water exercise classes, including Shallow Water Exercise, Deep Water Exercise, Deep Water Boot Camp, and a Basic Arthritis and Injury Rehab Water Exercise class. Or you can skip the classes and practice your favorite stroke in the lap lanes, just make sure to check lap lane availability online before putting on that swim cap. PDAC also offers other options for exercise, including indoor classes such as Restorative Yoga and Chair Yoga. Schedules and fees for all classes can be viewed at www.pdpool.com.
