Plunge debuts new floating obstacle course in Belmont Park
What could be more fun than a floating obstacle course for kids of all ages? A new and improved obstacle course at Plunge San Diego in Belmont Park.Operators of the historic Plunge pool opened its latest aquatic attraction to the public on March 1. The new course, designed exclusively for Plunge in collaboration with Union Aquaparks, provides increased space to play, inclusivity for more ages, and increased safety.Spencer Meinburg, the general manager at Plunge San Diego, divulged the reason for the redesigned obstacle course. “We’re appealing to children and families,” he said, pointing out that Plunge held some 1,300 kid’s birthday parties last year for its approximately 4,000 members.“When we reopened our facility after COVID, we realized our huge pool had nothing fun to do for kids that were here, other than some inflatable toys that we had that didn’t amuse them for more than an hour. That’s where the obstacle course came in.”Kids run on the new floating obstacle course at Plunge San Diego in Belmont Park on Feb. 28. PHOTO BY THOMAS MELVILLEMeinburg described one stretch of the new obstacle course called risky business. “It’s an up and down wave that guests will run up and over with a couple of little hills, then they come around and go through a tunnel and a wiggle track before more running while floating on the water: They (kids) love it,” he said.“We’re excited to see this exclusive inflatable obstacle course come to life,” agreed Steve Thomas of Belmont Park. “We believe that this course will be a game changer for Plunge San Diego as we are always looking for innovative ways to create a more inclusive experience for all of our guests. We can’t wait to see visitors take on the challenge and have a blast with their friends and family.”The new course will feature a variety of challenging obstacles, inflatable tunnels, and hurdles that will test the balance and coordination of guests of all ages. The official obstacle course’s name will be announced, once the community votes on the winning name.For the comfort of its members and guests, Meinburg said the water temperature of the pool is kept between 82 and 84 degrees year-round. And because its roof is retractable, the general manager noted the pool is “open to all weather conditions.”Meinburg added the Plunge is historical in more ways than one. “It is a historic landmark in the City,” he said. “Some scenes from the movie ‘Top Gun’ were filmed here, as well as ads for Nike and Speedo. We’ve also had Olympic gold medalists train here.”Meinberg added the pool accommodates 1,000 to 2,000 guests per day, adding the new obstacle course “adds space for people to recreate and play together as a family.” The obstacle course is open to those ages 5 through 60. “There will be a toddler time early in the morning for kids ages 3 to 6 before it gets too busy,” he said, noting the Plunge is now divided between the obstacle course and seven, 25-yard swim lanes where swim lessons and other aquatic programs are offered.“We’re here to enhance the fun and serve the San Diego community,” concluded Meinburg. “This new obstacle course just allows us to better serve those people who come through our doors, and to attract new customers as well.”Plunge San Diego is open daily from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Swim passes are available to the general public and can also be purchased on-site. For more information, visit plungesandiego.com.THE PLUNGEThe nearly century-old Belmont Park on Ocean Front at Surfrider Square is renowned for its iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster, which turns 98 this year, and the historic and recently rebuilt indoor pool, The Plunge, inside of Fit Mission Beach.Originally built in 1925, the historic Plunge Pool was, at the time, the largest saltwater pool in the world, holding 355,000 gallons of water. The pool was designed after the Spanish Renaissance-style buildings in Balboa Park, built in 1915 and 1916. The pool was converted to fresh water in 1940, becoming the largest heated pool in Southern California.In 2019, Plunge San Diego reopened after undergoing a $12 million renovation, transforming it into a new and modernized experience that included the addition of the original obstacle course. Today, Plunge San Diego is one of the largest pools in Southern California, with aesthetics that reflect floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof, allowing swimmers to enjoy the warm San Diego weather year-round. The pool is 10,500 square feet, 175 feet long, and 60 feet wide with views looking out to Mission Beach.The post Plunge debuts new floating obstacle course in Belmont Park appeared first on SDNews.com.
San Diego Oasis’ Intergenerational Tutoring Program celebrates ‘Read Across America’ with book drive
Local nonprofit San Diego Oasis is taking its love for literacy to new heights this year as it embarks on its quest to reach a goal of 20,000 new book donations by the end of 2023. To commemorate National Read Across America Day and support this goal, San Diego Oasis and its Intergenerational Tutoring Program encourages the community to donate new books at its Grossmont Center location at 5500 Grossmont Center Drive through March 31.“San Diego Oasis has always had a love for literacy,” says Kristen Amicone, director of Intergenerational Programs, San Diego Oasis. “In addition to helping children enhance their confidence in reading and writing through our Intergenerational Tutoring Program, every year we set a goal to collect hundreds of new books to not only encourage students to read, but also build a passion for reading that will last a lifetime.”San Diego Oasis supports older adults and children through its tutoring programThe nonprofit’s Intergenerational Tutoring Program helps students build reading skills, self-esteem and positive attitudes toward learning. Senior volunteers ages 50 and up are matched to neighborhood schools to help children grades K-4 enhance their reading and writing skills. Volunteer tutors are provided free training and materials, and no teaching experience is required. This program not only helps children develop a passion for reading, but also gives the senior volunteers an opportunity to put their life skills to work for a younger generation, as well as stay active and engaged through community service.Since 1991, San Diego Oasis has supported hundreds of local schools in more than 12 school districts through its Intergenerational Tutoring Program, including San Diego Unified, Escondido, Temecula, Chula Vista, Bonsall, Encinitas, Ramona, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Cajon Valley, and La Mesa/Spring Valley. Currently, the program has more than 250 volunteer tutors, supporting 58 schools throughout San Diego County.Studies show that 61% of America’s low-income children are growing up in homes without books. In addition, the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) concluded that students are experiencing the largest decline ever seen in the 50 years that national testing has been in place, and reading scores dropped six points for 9-year-old students across the board, with students from low-income backgrounds taking an even bigger hit. To rectify this decline, schools are taking necessary steps to increase reading scores, and San Diego Oasis’ Intergenerational Tutoring Program is a part of the solution for local students. Furthermore, the program’s impact has reflected positively in improved test scores in reading and math, and overall academic performance.“It’s nothing but positive experiences and precious moments as a volunteer tutor in San Diego Oasis’ Intergenerational Tutoring Program,” said Barbara Bekken. “The students I’ve had the opportunity to teach were all reluctant readers, and are now proactive performers in reading and writing. It’s a joy to see a student fall in love with books and feel inspired to write their own stories. One student in particular wrote and illustrated her own book, and had the confidence to proudly read it to her class.”For more information on San Diego Oasis, visit sandiegooasis.org.If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor in the nonprofit’s Intergenerational Tutoring Program, visit San Diego Oasis’ website for details on upcoming tutor training sessions in March. The post San Diego Oasis’ Intergenerational Tutoring Program celebrates ‘Read Across America’ with book drive appeared first on SDNews.com.
La Mesa outdoor fitness sessions set for March into June
Are you looking to get in better shape?If you said yes, you have the opportunity to attend outdoor fitness sessions into June.All fitness levels are welcome, as participants can get a full body workout in a group setting. The setting is also kid-friendly.Those interested can reserve a spot for only $5 a class.The classes will be held on the following Saturdays: March 11, April 1, April 15, May 6, May 20, June 10 and June 17. The classes begin at 10 a.m.Classes will take place at La Mesa’s MacArthur Park (4975 Memorial Drive) in the grassy area below the garden and pool.For more information, email: cristina@profectushealth.com.The post La Mesa outdoor fitness sessions set for March into June appeared first on SDNews.com.
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