Get The Fins And Goggles —​ A Petaluma Pool Reopens: Report

PETALUMA, CA — After weeks of public frustration over a sudden closing, the Cavanagh pool is open again — albeit only partially while officials work to hire additional staff.

The pool at Cavanagh Recreation reopened Feb. 18 for self-guided exercise one hour a day, three days a week, with plans to expand programming in March, including the return of instructor-led water aerobics, the Press Democrat reported.

The reopening follows a Jan. 20 announcement that the facility would close due to lifeguard shortages, a move that drew swift pushback from regular users—particularly older residents who rely on the warmer pool for low-impact exercise, according to Press Democrat reports.
The center is adding staff and expanding self-guided exercise to six days per week, according to reports.

The closure stemmed from staffing and safety concerns after the city determined its longtime contractor did not consistently provide a dedicated lifeguard focused solely on pool surveillance, the Press Democrat reported. The company’s owner, Liz Evers, disputed that assessment, according to Press Democrat reports, saying they had always met safety standards.

Pool users were redirected to the Petaluma Swim Center during the closure. Still, some said the colder, competition-style pool there was not a suitable substitute, especially for older residents and people with joint conditions, according to Press Democrat reports.

The partial reopening also included minor facility upgrades, such as refreshed restrooms, new signage, and equipment replacements. Additional ventilation improvements and fixture installations are scheduled for March, the city said, according to Press Democrat reports.

Cavanaugh Pool hours and more updates are available on the center's website.