City pool opens Saturday

Summer unofficially begins in Ahwatukee Foothills this Memorial Day weekend when Pecos and 28 other city of Phoenix pools open.

Residents will be able to preview the pools from May 24 to 26, but facilities won't open full time until May 31.

Pool hours are from noon to 8 p.m.

Among activities the pools offer are swimming lessons, recreational swim and dive teams, water aerobics and a junior lifeguard program.

Becky Hulett, aquatics supervisor for the city of Phoenix, said the department won a National Recreation and Park Association award for Best in Aquatics for cities with a population greater than 500,000.

"It's a fun, family atmosphere," Hulett said. "It's a kick-off for summer."

For those who want to avoid guzzling the gas needed to drive all the way to Pecos Pool, 17010 S. 48th St., the city is also partnered with the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane.

Membership is not required to swim at Ahwatukee YMCA for the summer session, which begins June 1.

Daily admission to Phoenix pools is 50 cents for seniors over 50 and youths under 18, and $2 for adults.

Season passes cost $15 for seniors and youths, $25 for adults, and $60 for a family of four and $5 for each additional person.

People can register for classes online or at any department community center for $12 per two-week class.

Go to www.phoenix.gov/parks or call (602) 534-6587 for more information.

Ben Sandoval is interning this summer at the AFN. He is a junior at Arizona State University.