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Oakland's Swimming Holes
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Ellen Mulholland
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Last Updated on June, 18 2007 at 02:18 PM
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| An Oakland summer spent entirely at the pool could result in a nasty case of pneumonia. After all, a high of 50 degrees in August is not unheard of, and a very hot day means temperatures in the 80s. Still, between May and October we can count on at least a month’s worth of really warm days when the only thing you want to do is jump in the water. |
Lake Temescal Photo: Lagringa
An Oakland summer spent entirely at the pool could result in a nasty case of pneumonia. After all, a high of 50 degrees in August is not unheard of, and a very hot day means temperatures in the 80s. Still, between May and October we can count on at least a month’s worth of really warm days when the only thing you want to do is jump in the water.
If you and your kids feel the need to dip those hot feet in some cool waters, no need to travel to the coast. Oakland and Berkeley provide some great water fun. Starting Saturday, June 16, many pools officially begin their summer schedules. Here’s one list of family friendly water spots on this side of the Bay. Visit their websites for more details. (Lifeguards are present during all recreational swim times.)
DeFremery Pool
This is a clean outdoor pool in West Oakland. Like most pools in the city, it offers several times of swim lessons. DeFremery also hosts a swim team, which practices in the late afternoons. Lessons and swim team practice mean fewer hours open to the public. But, if you are looking to cool off and you live nearby, this is the place to be.
Best Feature: Clean facilities, friendly guests
1269 18th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 238-2205
Public Recreational Swimming Saturday, Sunday 1:00 ~ 4:00 pm
Public Recreational Swimming Monday through Friday 2 - 3:30PM
Roberts Pool
This East Bay Regional Parks pool rests within a beautiful grove of Redwoods. Kids from the hills to nearby San Leandro make this their home away from home on hot summer days. Although recently in the news for the drowning death of a Bret Harte Middle School boy during a school celebration, this pool is usually well attended by experienced youth lifeguards. The same lifeguards coach students during morning and evening lessons. There are a few vending machines, clean bathrooms, showers and changing areas, and some nice, shaded grassy spots for parents to watch their kids.
Best Feature: Playground, field and barbecues located outside the pool area
Worst Feature: $5 parking fee
10570 Skyline Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 597-5013
Fees: 1 – 15 years: $2; Over 16: $3
Parking: $5
Temescal Pool
Unique to Temescal is its year-round schedule. Located adjacent to the Oakland Technical High School campus, this outdoor pool remains one of the north end’s favorites. That means, even when it’s cold and rainy, you can still brave a dip in this heated pool (just avoid lightning storms!). Many adults enjoy its lap swim time. But, for family fun, you want the Recreational Swim hours.
Best Feature: There is lots of free street parking
371 45th Street
(between Lawton Ave & Manila Ave)
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 597-5013
Public Recreational Swimming: Saturday and Sunday 2:45 pm – 5pm
Public Recreational Swimming: Monday through Friday 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Lake Temescal
Part of the East Bay Regional Parks system, this spot allows you to have your mountain lake getaway without the “arm and a leg” gas fill up. Lake Temescal includes all the ingredients for the ideal family outing or birthday party: a freshwater lake, sandy beach, picnic tables, a bit of grass and shade, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and even some sweet little walking trails. If you can’t quite make it to the big lake near our Nevada border, head over to the small lake near the Berkeley border.
Best Feature: It feels like you are at a mountain lake far from the city
Worst Feature: There is a bit of a walk from your car, which you just parked for $5
6502 Broadway Terrace
Oakland, CA 94610
Open daily from 11 am – 6 pm (May 26 – September 3)
Fees: 1 – 15 years: $2; Over 16: $3
Parking: $5
Strawberry Canyon Pool
UC Berkeley houses four pools, which it opens to the public: Hearst North, Golden Bear Pool, Spieker Pool and Strawberry Canyon Rec Area West. Strawberry Canyon is the most popular. The Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area (SCRA) features an outdoor swimming pool, a wading pool, a ropes course, locker rooms, fitness center, a lovely grassy area, and a barbecue/picnic area.
Best Feature: There is ample parking (see below); feels like a private clubhouse pool.
Worst Feature: There is no street parking; paid parking in SCRA lot only.
Located on Centennial Drive, east of the Memorial Stadium
510-642-6400 (hotline)
Public Recreational Swimming Saturday and Sunday 11am – 6pm
Public Recreational Swimming Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 10:30 am; Noon – 5:50PM; 7 – 8:30PM
Fees: $5
Lake Anza
This is a true family rec area. Although, the ratio of kids to adults seems quite high, parents can just pull up a beach chair on the sandy beach, while keeping an eye on their little ones frolicking in the water. If you go with another adult, while one watches the kids, you can go for a few laps along the adult only “swim lane”. There are no barbecue stations near the beach, but there is a snack bar that sells most needed munchies, including tasty snow cones.
Best Feature: The lake boasts a beautiful mountain setting.
Worst Feature: It gets very crowded in the summertime with recreation groups.
Tilden Regional Park
Berkeley, CA 94708
Open: Daily 11 am to 6pm
Fees: Under 16: $2.50; Over 16: $3.50 |
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OAKLAND
THE GOOD LIFE
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