Famous for its pleasantly mild climate, California is a premiere destination for every tourist and vacationing family.
If one were to travel to New Cuyama in the summertime heat, however, instead of a pleasant average temperature of 73 degrees he would be met with staggering temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.
Residents of New Cuyama beat the heat with the help of the Joseph Centeno Cuyama Pool and Aquatics Complex.
This structure, an oasis in the extreme temperatures of the Cuyama Valley, features a four-lane 25-meter pool and a wading pool with a “Thrill n’ Spill” play area as main attractions.
The aquatic complex also offers programs such as “Dive-in” movies, swim lessons, water aerobics, and aquatics equipment. This seemingly idyllic structure had a problem, however.
When the aquatic complex had to reduce operating expenses or face program cuts, things were looking dire for New Cuyama.
“The community had real interest in the programs, but there was no operating budget for it,” Interim Parks Director Brian Roney said.
With the prospect of losing important programs, the community responded immediately.
New Cuyama Native Bob Giragosian, in an effort to keep the pool facilities available to everyone this summer, recently donated $1,000 to the aquatics program at the Cuyama Pool.
Giragosian’s donation, presented June 17, sponsored 30 children’s swim lessons through scholarships, according to the Santa Barbara Country Parks Department.
To the New Cuyama Community, Giragosian is a true hero.
“We don’t take time to celebrate success stories, but this is one of them,” Roney said.
With more than $6,000 donated recently from the local exchange organization and private individuals such as Giragosian, the pool and its programs aren’t going anywhere this summer.
The Joseph Centeno Cuyama Pool and Aquatics Complex is located at 290 Wasioja Street in New Cuyama. m
Intern Malory Ensor compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 14-21, 2011.
