Summer recreation programs in Dixon are set to begin in early June as the city prepares to open the Pat Granucci Aquatics Center, 450 E. Mayes St., for another season of swim lessons, recreational swimming and community activities. Photo courtesy of Dixon Parks and Recreation

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Summer recreation programs in Dixon are set to begin in early June as the city prepares to open the Pat Granucci Aquatics Center, 450 E. Mayes St., for another season of swim lessons, recreational swimming and community activities.

Austin George, recreation manager for the City of Dixon’s Parks and Recreation Department, said summer programming will begin the week of June 8 with expanded aquatic offerings for residents of all ages.

“Starting that week, we have all the swim lessons Monday through Thursday for two weeks,” said George. “We have a morning, midday and evening lap swim. We’re also going to have water aerobics Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. We’re bringing it back this year.”

The aquatic center’s schedule will also include recreational swimming on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through the end of July, along with the return of the Dixon Dolphins Swim Team summer season.

According to George, the facility underwent routine maintenance and upgrades during the offseason.

“This winter, we did our usual preventative maintenance,” he said. “There were some issues with the concrete we patched up, but we have some bigger work this fall. We spruced up the locker rooms, did some deep cleaning, and the pool lights were replaced.”

A new barbecue area was also added near the pool to accommodate families and groups renting the facility during the summer.

The city will offer a variety of swim lesson programs beginning June 8, including Parent-Tot classes for children ages 6 months to 3 years, beginner swim lessons for children ages 3 to 12, advanced swim instruction and private lessons for swimmers ages 3 to 99.

Parent-Tot classes focus on water familiarization and safety through songs, games and guided instruction with caregivers participating in the water. Beginner swim lessons introduce students to foundational skills such as floating, submerging underwater and basic stroke movements, while advanced lessons emphasize endurance and competitive stroke development.

Private swim lessons will provide one-on-one instruction tailored to individual swimmer needs, including water safety, overcoming fear in the water and stroke refinement.

George said aquatic programs often create long-term connections among participants and staff.

“You have the little kids who are learning how to swim,” said George. “Once they learn how to swim, they join Dixon Dolphins Swim Team. By the time they’re teenagers, they become lifeguards, and by that time, they’re teaching swim lessons to the little kids. So, it comes full circle.”

In addition to aquatic programming, the recreation department oversees activities and services throughout the city, including programs for seniors, CPR training and recreational use of local parks.

“Parks and recreation is vitally important to residents of all ages,” said George. “From the senior center to the people who use the park for disc golf, to the people who get CPR training, all these things are vital to a stronger, happier, healthier community.”

George encouraged families interested in summer programs to review the city’s new recreation guide on the city website for schedules, class availability and registration details.

“It’s the career path that I’ve chosen,” said George. “Having the satisfaction from a job that’s so important to shaping young people into adulthood through activities and just being healthy is the reason why I do what I do.”

For more information, visit cityofdixonca.gov/departments/Recreation or email [email protected].