MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. - Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow’s pool will open for service members, Department of Defense employees and their families with new renovations for the summer season, May 25.
MCLB Barstow consists of service members and civilian employees from all around the country. Many of the personnel are not native to the High Desert climate. Luckily, the base pool will be newly renovated for them to keep as cool as possible this summer.
A 25-foot expansion is being made to the pool area for younger children to enjoy without actually being submerged in water; this gives the adults the opportunity to watch their children from the deck, instead of having to be in the kiddy pool with them, said Gary Fulham, the director of Marine Corps Community Services on MCLB Barstow.
The addition includes a tumble-bucket play center, tunnel arches, a star jet, a turtle that sprays water, and much more, said Fulham.
The expansion of the pool isn’t the only improvement, explained Fulham. The bathrooms are also being modernized.
“The bathrooms will be renovated and cleaned out. Modern sinks and showers will be added to the facility as well,” explained Fulham. “They will also be more handicap-accessible.”
“I think it (the renovations) will improve the usage and more importantly it will make it a much safer environment for the younger patrons,” explained Fulham.
More than $600,000 went into improving the base pool for MCLB Barstow personnel and their families, said Fulham.
He encourages patrons to take full advantage of it.
Headquarters Marine Corps approved the renovation in order to enhance fitness on the base, explained Brenda Petruncio, the recreation program manager here.
The newly renovated pool will come with minimal fees, explained Petruncio. Lap swimming however, Tuesday - Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., will remain free.
Fees are as follows:
Day passes:
Patrons ages 2-10-- $1.50
Ages 11 and up-- $2.00
Guest-- $2.50
Season passes:
Individual-- $35.00
Individual monthly pass-- $15.00
Family of 4- monthly pass-- $35.00
Each additional child (monthly pass) -- $3.75
Family of 4- seasonal pass-- $90.00
Each additional child (seasonal pass) -- $7.50
The pool will have lifeguards on duty at all times for the safety of the patrons, added Petruncio.
Swimming lessons will also be available, said Petruncio. Fees will be posted at the base pool prior to the opening of the new facility in May.
The 2013 pool season starts on Memorial Day, May 25 and won’t close until Labor Day, Sept. 2. During the season, the pool will be closed on Mondays for cleaning. Family swimming will take place Tuesday – Friday from 1 – 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays will be family swimming only (no lap swimming) from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
“Swimming is great for fitness and health. You can get in shape while enjoying the nice cool water in the pool during the long hot desert summer,” added Petruncio.
Last year, it was not uncommon for temperatures to rise above 100 degrees, according to weatherchannel.com. Whether you’re used to the High Desert heat or not, take advantage of the base pool this summer to stay cool and physically train.