Lifeguards and staff remained stationed across the deck to monitor the water as residents enjoyed the open swim and background music. Photo courtesy of the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District

 

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Under clear skies and a warm afternoon sun, the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District (RLERPD) officially kicked off the summer season on Friday, June 12 with its highly anticipated annual RLE Pool Bash. Held at the Rio Linda High School (RLHS) pool from 4 to 8 p.m., the opening day festivities drew hundreds of local residents, families and teenagers eager to dive into another vibrant pool season. The community turnout highlighted the local excitement for outdoor recreational spaces as the weather warms up.

The event, which serves as the formal opening day for the public pool facility, has become a cherished neighborhood tradition. With an accessible entry fee of just $4 per person, the afternoon offered an affordable oasis for community members looking to beat the heat, connect with neighbors and celebrate the conclusion of the academic school year. Families brought lawn chairs and picnic blankets, filling the facility with energy from the moment the gates opened.

Community members cool off at the Rio Linda High School pool on Friday, June 12, during the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District’s annual RLE Pool Bash. Photo by Khushi Salgia

 

“We have an opening day every year to kick off the summer,” said Yanni Lagge, the recreation supervisor at the RLERPD.

The RLERPD has been hosting this event every year for the past 6 years. They have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RLHS to be able to use the pool for community events during the summer when school is not in session. This ongoing educational partnership ensures that local youth have reliable access to a clean, safe swimming environment throughout the peak heat of the season. Following the success of the bash, the district plans to ramp up operations with community events scheduled every day, starting on Monday.

“It’s a way to bring people out,” said Brooklyn Meadows, pool manager. 

Lifeguards and staff remained stationed across the deck to monitor the water as residents enjoyed the open swim and background music.

Members of the Lions Club of Rio Linda volunteered their afternoon to provide a completely free hot dog meal to every community member through the gates. Photo courtesy of the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District

A driving force behind the day's festive atmosphere was the active participation of local civic organizations. The Lions Club of Rio Linda stepped up as a primary sponsor, ensuring that no attendee went hungry. Members of the club volunteered their afternoon to provide a completely free hot dog meal to every community member through the gates. This massive volunteer coordination kept long lines moving smoothly and added a welcoming, neighborly feel to the pool deck.

Bill Higgins, vice president for the local chapter of the Lions Club, was stationed near the grills, coordinating the culinary effort. This year marks the third consecutive year the organization has spearheaded the food drive at the opening bash. Higgins, who also operates Ranchhouse BBQ, utilized his community leadership to ensure the kitchen operations ran efficiently.

“We are prepared to serve 200 people,” he said.

The Lions Club has been participating in the Pool Bash for the past three years, and this is one of many of their community initiatives. Their most popular program is called Ruby’s Baskets, which takes place during the holidays. The club frequently runs food and toy fundraisers to build up the resources necessary for these seasonal efforts. The ultimate aim is to give a Christmas experience to those who can’t afford it, providing families with entire Christmas dinners as well as presents for the children. The event successfully drew out locals who were looking for summer activities.

“I was bored at home,” said Rio Linda resident Zoey Brown, on why she showed up to the event. “It’s about getting a lot of people together and having fun.”

With events regularly scheduled over the next few months, the district looks forward to a fun summer. Local organizers and volunteers have set a strong foundation for what promises to be a great pool season ahead.