Summer Swim Schedule

by R.A. Rodgers

Lions Pool and Fremont Pool are both part of the Oakland Office of Parks and Recreation. Their summer hours begin June 16 and end August 24. The voicemails for these pools can become full, so we recommend calling them only during pool hours when an attendant is on duty to answer the phone.

'Lions Pool is located in Dimond Park and is a beautiful outdoor pool beneath old California live oak trees. About 50 years old, Lions is one of the oldest swimming pools in Oakland, well-maintained, quite warm, and a delight for swimming. Located at 3860 Hanly Road (phone: 482-7852), its public recreational swims are open to all ages daily Monday through Friday from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m; and Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Lap swims are for ages 14 and older daily Monday through Friday 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Evening hours are Monday and Tuesday 7:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday hours are 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Fees are $3 for adults, $2.25 for seniors 55 and over, and $1 for children. A multiple swim ticket is available for adults ($27.50 for 10 swims) and for seniors ($17.50 for 10 swims).

'Fremont Pool is located in central East Oakland at 4550 Foothill Blvd, across the street from Fremont High School. It is open this summer for recreational swimming only (all ages) Monday through Friday 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (phone 535-5614). No lap swims are scheduled this summer at Fremont Pool. Claudio Jimenez of Councilmember Ignacio De la Fuente's office informed us that the city is looking forward to the renovation of Fremont Pool once funding is finalized.

'Mills College maintains an 80-degree swimming pool on its beautiful campus at 5000 MacArthur Blvd. (phone: 430-2170). Hours are from 7 to 8:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; from noon to 1:45 pm. and 5:30 to 7:30 pm. daily Monday through Friday; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Sundays 12 to 2:45 p.m. Public swims are $7, with a ten-swim pass available for $56. A guard in a booth inside the college gate can give parking directions.

'Roberts swimming pool is located in the East Bay Regional Park District in beautiful Roberts Park at 10570 Skyline Blvd. (phone: 482-6028). Individual swims are $3 to $3.50 or $25 for 10 visits; under 16, $2 per visit. There is a small fee for parking in this park located high in the Oakland hills. The pluses are breathtaking views of mountains and forests, and ample picnic and restroom facilities. The park abounds with hiking trails through its redwood, bay laurel and California native oak forests.