New Experiences at the Aquatic Center in 2022

Touted as the largest indoor hot springs facility in the United States, the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center turns 85 this year. Built in 1937 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, construction of the facility helped create more than 200 jobs after the Great Depression. Today, the Aquatic Center is a centerpiece of the community and offers a broad range of activities and amenities for swimmers and soakers of all ages.

Visitors can expect some changes in 2022, including more recreation opportunities, more ways to save, new operating hours and a new fee structure.  

New and Returning Classes

In addition to open swim times, lap swimming and more than a dozen water fitness classes each week, classes that were put on hold at the beginning of the pandemic are returning and new classes have been added for 2022. These include:

• Kayak Roll Sessions: Tuesdays, January through April, 8:00-9:15 p.m. Learn more and register
• Kayak Polo: Wednesdays, January through April, 7:50-9:15 p.m. Learn more and register
• Dive and Jive: Occurs monthly, with the next event on Friday, January 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m. For middle school students. Learn more and register
• Adult Soak: Once a month, more of our 120-degree hot springs water will be added to the leisure pool, we'll turn the lights down and stay open a little later to allow guests 18 and older to enjoy a quiet evening. Schedule and registration coming soon. 
• SUP Board Fitness (NEW): Mondays, January through February, 5:00-5:45 p.m. Learn more and register 
• AquaSpin (NEW): Tuesdays, January through February, 9:00-9:45 a.m. Learn more and register
• Kids in Kayaks: We are partnering with FIBArk to provide 4th graders a chance to paddle a kayak in the pool for free. Classes return in March.
• SUP & Raft Indoor Training: Bring your own equipment for self-led paddle practice. Opportunities coming this spring!

More Ways to Save

The Hot Springs Aquatic Center is a special place that we hope all residents can enjoy. This year, we have new and expanded ways for locals to experience the hot springs at a free or reduced price. These include:

• Industry Appreciation Months: Each month, a new industry will be recognized and employees within that industry will have free entry for the entire month, with proof of employment and a valid ID. The calendar will be posted online at www.cityofsalida.com/aquaticcenter on Monday.  
• Scholarship Opportunities: Annual scholarships are available for individuals ($100) and families ($400). Inquire at 719-221-2363.
• Silver Sneakers: The Hot Springs Aquatic Center is a participating facility of the Silver Sneakers program. Adults 65+ on eligible Medicare plans have free access to all open swim times (lap swim, leisure swim, open swim) and the fitness classes Sunrise Water Yoga and Arthritis and Splash.
• Monarch Season Pass Holders: Receive a discount of $2 off your daily drop in fee with a Season Pass to Monarch Mountain and valid ID.

New Operating Hours

Beginning February 1, the Hot Springs Aquatic Center will offer new and extended operating hours. Returning to a pre-COVID schedule means that visitors will be able to enjoy the aquatic center longer and will not have to pre-register for drop-in swimming.

New Fee Structure

As part of the City of Salida’s 2022 operating budget, City Council approved a new fee structure that includes a price increase for individual day passes and membership passes. Entrance fees have not changed in ten years despite increasing costs to provide recreation services to the community.

Last year, extensive upgrades were made to the locker rooms and lobby area to enhance the visitor experience. A new reservation system was added to streamline the reservation process and a new membership kiosk will simplify the way members gain access to the facility.

The new fee structure will directly support new programming and facility operations to ensure that in another 85 years, the aquatic center remains a recreational centerpiece of the community.

Visit www.cityofsalida.com/aquaticcenter to explore more classes, reserve your soaking time or to contact staff.