NORTH NATOMAS, CA (MPG) – On Saturday, April 23, North Natomas joined Davis and Folsom as the proud owner of a 50-meter Olympic-sized swimming pool with the grand opening of a major aquatics complex.

There was pride and joy at the possibilities offered to the community with such a large pool. Competitive meets can now be held here. Mostly, this public pool will benefit the local hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.

The complex has sets of official starting blocks for competitive meets. Two diving boards can be slid in and out due to the needs of the competing diver. The longer the board, the more the spring if you’re doing multiple flips! It is 13 feet under the diving boards. Right next to the diving boards, a large, covered bleacher area for watching the competitions.

"The complex is hoping to host the Special Olympics," said Jackie Beecham.

This pool is fitted with underwater and overhead lighting for night events.

"It is really something to see (it) all light up," said Elmer Haynes who is in a wheelchair after a stroke.

Haynes began pointing out the two chairlifts so those like him can get in and walk around. His smile at just the thought, was huge.

"You’re free in the water" Haynes said. 

Haynes was a competitive swimmer back in his college days at UC Berkley.

"This pool complex is big time and has an actual competition pool,” Haynes said.

Haynes went on to explain how now they can hold national, regional and high school meets at the North Natomas Aquatic Complex and everyone in the area benefits from the gorgeous facility.

The Sacramento Masters have been swimming since starting in 1970, offering friendly competition and swimming for fitness. This group is open for those 18 years and up.

“U.S. Masters Swimming is a national membership-operated nonprofit that provides membership benefits to nearly 65,000 Masters swimmers across the country,” the organization’s website states.

Another group, the DART swimming club offers competitive and recreational youth swim team programming. Billy Doughty is the DART coach and was very enthusiastic at his information booth Saturday. He spoke about DART swimmer, Luca Urlando, an American recorder-holder who is under his tutoring.

“If you dream of trophies, ribbons or reaching the Olympics, we can help you," Doughty said. 

Lastly, I met Jayne Annis and Derrick and Rochelle Brace representing the growing sport of water polo.

"This is a pool big and deep enough to have a water polo team,” Annis, a water polo coach, told The News.

For swimming and lessons hours, go to cityofsacramento.org/aquatics. They also have a large 8,000 square feet enclosed banquet room holding up to 200 people in North Natomas.