The new Norman S. Johnson Aquatics Center at Arcadia Community Regional Park (Arcadia County Park) is officially open and was celebrated yesterday by county supervisor Michael Antonovich and other local officials. The nearly $10 million project replaced the old 50-meter pool with a 6,150 s.f. competition swimming pool, and a 6,300 s.f. recreation and therapy pool with an integrated splash pad.
The Arcadia County Park swimming pool will be closed for the summer, to be demolished and rebuilt at a later date. The pool is 70 years old and officially known as the Norman S. Johnson Aquatic Center. On July 19, a chlorine spill sent 17 children to the hospital. The repairs would cost $80,000, so the County chose to not reopen the pool for the three weeks left of this summer.
The cause of the excess chlorine in the Arcadia County Park swimming pool that sent 17 children to the hospital on July 19 was found to be human error. Workers at the pool mistakenly primed the chemical pump twice, allowing up to 20 extra gallons of chlorine into the water.
Too much chlorine in the pool at Arcadia County Park sent 17 people to hospitals yesterday. None of the victims was seriously hurt in the morning incident, which happened during a free swim session. Most experienced trouble breathing and eye pain.
A day after the Arcadia County Park was closed for sending people exposed to excess chlorine to the hospital, the pool remained closed yesterday while Los Angeles County supervisors ordered a top-down safety review for all 27 county pools. The Arcadia pool will remain closed until the problem can be fixed to ensure public safety.
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District wants to control the West-Nile virus epidemic by sending Pasadena police helicopters over Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, Monrovia and West Covina. They identified 94 green pools and stagnant bodies of water yesterday. Owners will be ordered to clean them up or face a $1000 fine. Dirty swimming pools are the most significant source of mosquito breeding.
The 65 year old statue of Hugo Reid created by Preston Prescott may be moved from Arcadia County Park to a spot between the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum and the Arcadia Community Center. The City Council will have to approve $57,362 contract for its removal.
Los Angeles County officials are holding a meeting at 6:00 PM today at Arcadia County Park to address concerns and to "clarify misperceptions" about a plan to bring in a new operator and manager for the park's tennis center. The community is concerned about pricey fees or membership dues if the recommended operator iTennis is approved by the Board of Supervisors next month. Tony Bell, spokesperson for Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, said there will be no pay-to-play or required membership. The new contract will be to improve the quality of services, programs and amenities.
San Marino's Li sets record at CIF-SS finals swimming championships. There were impressive performances from the San Gabriel Valley. Sophia Xu of Arcadia was a second place finisher in the girls 100 butterfly with a time of 55.88.
The 37-acre Arcadia County Park, which costs the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department $234,000 a year to operate, may be fenced off and "abandoned" if the Department is forced to slash 25% of its budget.
The 9th annual "Remembering Our Veterans and Their Families" event was held at Arcadia County Park to honor our soldiers. Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich attended.
The City Council will loan developer American Senior Living $1.8 million to build Arcadia Heritage Park, , an affordable housing 54-unit apartment complex for low-income senior citizens.