Children Swim for Free at City Pools

For the second year in a row, children will be able to swim for free this summer at one of the Valley’s 15 public pools.

In addition to children 17 and younger, seniors 65 and older and disabled people of all ages will be admitted free to pools operated by the city Department of Recreation and Parks.

Begun last year by Mayor Richard Riordan, the free-swim program increased pool attendance by 22% in 1999.

Admission for people 18 to 64 is $1.25. Children 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Group swimming lessons are available for an additional cost.

These pools operate year-round in the Valley:

* Cleveland, 8120 Vanalden Ave., Reseda, noon to 9 p.m. daily.

* Hansen Dam, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, noon to 7:30 p.m. daily.

* Hubert Humphrey, 12560 Filmore St., Pacoima, noon to 8 p.m. daily.

These pools are now open for the summer from noon to 6 p.m. daily:

* Fernangeles, 8851 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Sun Valley.

* Granada Hills, 16730 Chatsworth St.

* Lanark, 21817 Strathern St., Canoga Park.

* North Hollywood, 5301 Tujunga Ave.

* Northridge, 10088 Reseda Blvd.

* Reseda, 18411 Victory Blvd.

* Ritchie Valens, 10731 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima.

* Sun Valley, 8123 Vineland Ave.

* Sylmar, 13109 Borden Ave.

* Valley Plaza, 6715 Laurelgrove Ave., North Hollywood.

* Verdugo Hills, 10654 Irma Ave., Tujunga.

* Woodland Hills, 5858 Shoup Ave.

At Hansen Dam, there is a 5-foot-deep “swim pool” in addition to a nine-acre lake for fishing and sailing of inflatable boats, paddle boats and model boats.

At Lake Balboa, there are paddle boats and small craft, but no swimming. The location is 6300 Balboa Blvd., Encino.