Aloha Swim Center reopens to public (sorry, dogs)

On Presidents Day, Feb. 18, the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District turned Aloha Swim Center over to the dogs. On May 21, humans took it back.

THPRD has reopened the pool following a three-month closure for structural upgrades and other maintenance improvements. Initially, the schedule will be limited to activities such as deep-water aerobics, aqua jogging, adult lap swim, and open swim. Starting June 17, the beginning of THPRD's summer term, Aloha will return to full operations.

Patrons are encouraged to check THPRD’s website for a daily/weekly schedule:

“It’s good to be back” said Sabrina Taylor Schmitt, Aloha Swim Center supervisor. “The center is now safer and more efficient for our patrons. It’s comfortable and looks great.”

The primary task was to upgrade the center structurally to make it safer in the event of an earthquake. The district also resurfaced the pool deck with non-skid material, installed energy-efficient underwater lights, and replaced the heating/ventilation systems for both the pool area and the men’s and women’s dressing rooms.

In addition, the roof over the pool area was replaced, the pool tank was resurfaced, and the interior walls of the building were repainted.

The day before the closure began, on Presidents Day, the Park District hosted “Doggie Paddle” at Aloha. More than 100 canines took turns frolicking in the water, the first time in THPRD’s 58-year history that dogs were allowed into a pool. The
next day, the center closed for renovation, which included a thorough cleaning and refill of the 176,000-gallon, 85-degree pool.

So on May 21 when the pool reopened, nary a dog nor even a dog hair was in sight.

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving more than 220,000 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, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of nature preserve. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.