Baler Aquatics Center makes a summer splash with families

This article was written by BenitoLink intern Josh Solorio. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Taking advantage of the only community pools in town, families are using the family swim times at Baler Aquatics Center to cool down, stay active and spend time with loved ones this summer.

Jorge Rodriguez, a regular swimmer, said he comes to the pool three times a week. 

“The pool is great to come to with family, and I love spending time with my family,” he said. 

The Baler Aquatics Center at Hollister High School offers the only public pool access in Hollister. 

Rovella’s Gym has a pool for its members to use in town, and in the county’s unincorporated area, the Thousand Trails and Pinnacles National Park campgrounds also have pools for an entry charge.

According to Aquatics Center operator YMCA of San Benito County, the facility logged 262 participants in its community swim program in July, and it has averaged 184 participants per month since March.

Parents said they enjoyed watching their kids have fun and learn new skills at their swimming lessons. For the kids, however, the highlight was spending time with their friends.

“My favorite memory at the pool was probably when I came swimming with my friends and cousins,” nine-year-old Jackson Jiannotti said.

Jackson’s parents, Chanelle and Anthony Jiannotti, said they started going to the aquatics center last year. 

“As a parent, my favorite memory was bringing all my kids and their friends to the pool and watching them have a great time,” Chanelle said. 

For others, the aquatics center is an opportunity to practice the skills they’ve learned in swim classes. 

Eight-year-old Camila Caldron said she loves getting into the water and that her favorite skill is floating on her back.

Parent Lindsey Schoolcraft said she used to take her sons to swim lessons and other aquatics activities to Watsonville.

The Jiannottis said that they were unhappy with the fee increase from $5 to $10 per person.

However, as of July 17, YMCA changed the fees back to $5 per person. 

“We understand how important affordability is and while we’re a membership-based organization, we’re working hard to keep programs accessible for everyone,” Senior Healthy Living Director for the YMCA Salina Chacon said. “It’s all about checks and balances. Some program fees reflect the costs needed to maintain quality and safety. Meanwhile, others are priced thoughtfully to offer great value.” 

YMCA of San Benito County, which partnered with Hollister High School in February to manage the aquatics center, offers swim lessons, lap swim, family swim and private rentals. 

The family/community swim takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through July. Hours are expected to change when classes resume at Hollister High. 

The pool is free to use for aquatic facility members. The cost to program members with gym membership and community members is $5 per person. Children two and under are admitted free during family/community swim hours.

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