Warmer temperatures are arriving just in time for the reopening of the Patagonia Regional Aquatics Center, with the pool scheduled to open Monday, April 13.
The facility will initially offer lap swimming and water aerobics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, along with open swim on Friday afternoons, through the end of the school year. If funding allows, the schedule will expand to six days a week during the summer months before returning to a three-day schedule at the start of the next school year and continuing through mid-November, weather permitting.
Community members won’t have to wait for the official opening to take a dip. PRAC will host a free Open House Plunge Party from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. The event will include light refreshments, games, a raffle and other activities.
On Sunday, April 12, the organization will hold a fundraiser at Patagonia Lumber Co. to support its $100,000 annual operating budget. The Porch Rockers, a Tucson-based blues-rock band, will perform from 5:30-8 p.m., and Greek food by Spoon’s Kitchen will be served from 5-7 p.m.
Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance, with a limited number available at the door. Tickets are $25 for dinner and music, or $10 for music only. Pool passes will be available for sale.
Tickets can be purchased at Patagonia Lumber Co. or online at patagonialumberco.com under the Upcoming Events section.
According to Bob Brandt, chair of the PRAC finance committee, the organization’s first direct mail campaign, held in the fall, raised more than $12,000. He said the effort also helped introduce the community to PRAC as the pool’s new operator.
“It gave us a good start, but much more is needed,” Brandt said, adding that the organization is grateful to Patagonia Lumber Co. owners Wendy and Keith Spooner for hosting the fundraiser.
Beth Lofquist, president of the PRAC board, said she is optimistic about the upcoming season.
“We are an all-volunteer organization with limited resources that works hard to offer a safe, welcoming aquatics facility and programs at an affordable price,” Lofquist said. “We encourage the community to join us at the pool, attend the open house and support the fundraiser.”