With the new Aquatics Center now open, the city is reaching out
to make sure as many children are able to take advantage of the
facilities as possible.
With the new Aquatics Center now open, the city is reaching out to make sure as many children are able to take advantage of the facilities as possible.
Under a new scholarship fund program, the recreation department is offering children from Willows, Village Avante and Villa Ciolino along with children from El Toro Youth Center, an opportunity to go to the Aquatics Center Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer.
In total, 110 Morgan Hill youths participate in the program: 70 from the apartment complexes and 40 from El Toro, located at 17620 Crest Ave., just north of Main.
Saturday, 15 children were able to go out and participate in the opening ceremonies. Unfortunately, 10 of the children forgot to bring a bathing suit. In response to the problem, the children received new bathing suits from the city.
“In order to swim, everyone must have the proper attire,” said Theresa Magno, recreation coordinator for aquatics. “It was fortunate for the kids, we don’t have enough scholarship money to (buy everyone bathing suits).”
Magno said that from now on, in order for children to ride the buses, they must be in proper attire.
“We can’t afford to do it for all,” Magno said.
The program is open to anyone living at one of the apartment complexes or attend El Toro Center. There are no age restrictions, but children under 10 years must be accompanied by a parent.
Any who are interested, Magno said, must talk with their resident manager at the complex or inquire at El Toro Center.
The bus arrives at 10 a.m. at Edmundson Avenue, then continues on to Cosmo Lane and finally on to Villa Ciolino before heading to the Aquatics Center. The bus then makes a trip to El Toro Youth Center to pick up the kids there.
In the evening, starting at 3:25 p.m., the route is reversed, starting with El Toro and ending with Edmundson.
Children have to bring their own money for lunch, Magno says, and no outside food is allowed in the center.
The Aquatics Center is located on Condit and San Pedro avenues.
“This is a day for the youth to come out and enjoy the facilities,” Magno said.
