News from: Desert Recreation District

Thanks to continued funding from the Kaiser Permanente Foundation, Desert Recreation District (DRD) will once again be offering swim lesson scholarships for children living in the Coachella Valley. These scholarships will be awarded from the $84,150 granted to DRD for the 2022 and 2023 swim seasons as part of Kaiser’s HEAL program – Healthy Eating Active Living.

DRD’s Operation Splash free swim lesson program is one way in which healthy lifestyles are supported and encouraged by Desert Recreation District, and the lessons will take place at four area pools managed by DRD, which include Bagdouma Community Pool in Coachella, Fritz Burns Pool in La Quinta, Mecca Community Pool, and Pawley Pool Family Aquatic Complex in Indio.

Residents are encouraged to apply for the scholarships as soon as possible, and the application can be accessed at https://form.jotform.com/220865971578168 Applications will be accepted from now to May 31, 2022.

Children ages 3 to 14 years old are eligible for the free swim lessons through this program.

Those issued scholarships will receive their award letters at Bagdouma Community Pool in Coachella during the Operation Splash Kick-off event to be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bagdouma Pool is located at 84-599 Avenue 52 in Coachella. The Kick-off will include free open swim time, a Lenny the Landshark water safety demonstration, and a check presentation.

DRD will also be hosting a Free Swim Friday on June 10 from 5 – 9 p.m., and a few Dive-in movies shown on the inflatable screen at various pool locations – additional information on these activities, including Operation Splash, can be found at MyRecreationDistrict.com or by calling 760-347-3484.

About Desert Recreation District

Desert Recreation District (DRD) is the largest park and recreation district in California, covering over 1,800 square miles and serving more than 380,000 residents throughout the greater Coachella Valley. In addition to managing, maintaining, and assisting in maintaining more than 30 parks and recreation facilities and creating and delivering quality programs, services, and classes, thanks to strategic partnerships we have been able to bring essential services such as Rapid-Response Food Distributions, COVID-19 Testing, Flu Shots, a Distance-Learning Program and more to Valley residents. This community collaborative approach allows us to not only provide barrier-free and safe recreational activities, but to also bring critical resources where they are needed, thereby helping to create stronger communities and healthier citizens.