Councilman Mitch O’Farrell showed off his diving skills to mark the reopening of the Hollywood Pool. (photo courtesy of Councilman Mitch O’Farrell’s office)

Just in time for the warm temperatures this week, many Los Angeles city pools reopened on June 14 including the Hollywood and Pan Pacific Park pools.

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, took the plunge at the Hollywood Pool last Saturday and encouraged everyone to do the same.

“I am always excited for the start of the Hollywood Pool season, and never more so than this year,” O’Farrell said. “As the pandemic eases and summer begins, I encourage local families to make use of this world-class facility. Take it from me, the diving board and the slide are as fun as ever.”

The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks opened 36 pools on Monday, and plans call for the remainder to open in the coming weeks, said Carlos Espinoza, aquatics director for the city of Los Angeles. The Hollywood Pool is located at 1122 Cole Ave. and the Pan Pacific Park Pool is located at 141 S. Gardner St.

The pools are operating at a reduced schedule this week from 2 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. On June 21, the pools will revert to normal hours from noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with a one-hour break from 2 to 3 p.m., and 1 to 5 p.m. on weekends.

The pools are currently offering recreational and lap swimming for all ages and skill evaluations for upcoming swimming classes, Espinoza said. Swimming lessons for children and teens resume on June 21. Espinoza said to call individual pools to make appointments for lessons. The Hollywood Pool can be reached by calling (323)460-7058, and the Pan Pacific Park Pool can be reached by calling (323)957-4524.

“It couldn’t be better timing with the heat wave and everything,” Espinoza added. “It’s been great. People are starting to trickle in and we have been getting tons of calls.”

Espinoza said the city is still requiring people to wear masks inside pool buildings and locker rooms, and any time they are going to and from the pool. Capacity has been set at 50% for outdoor city pools, and 25% for indoor pools, he added.

Other pools scheduled to reopen soon include the Griffith Park Pool at 3401 Riverside Drive. That facility is currently undergoing maintenance and is scheduled to open in early July.

The Hollywood Pool reopened in 2015 after a two-year, $7.6 million renovation. O’Farrell, who also marked the reopening six years ago with a flip off the diving board, added that he was pleased that people can beat the heat.

“I’m delighted to deliver this to the neighborhood in time for summer,” O’Farrell added. “Enjoy!”

For information, visit laparks.org/aquatics.