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Territorial Dispatch

Summer of Fun Begins in Yuba City

Jun 20, 2024 03:04PM ● By Angela Underwood

Yuba City offers various summer programs that bring area youth together on the lawn for friendly competition. Photo courtesy of Yuba City


YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - A cool dip in the pool and a relaxing evening concert makes for a perfect summer day.

These are just two options that Yuba City offers residents for summer 2024.

A Gauche Aquatic Park spray ground and a series of summer programs allow all ages to cool off and stay active. Yuba City Community Service Director Ann Gillen said the new water play feature replaces the first spray ground installed in 2007. 

Gauche Aquatic Park Center Street

 Gauche Aquatic Park features new spray ground this season at 421 Center St. Photo courtesy of Yuba City


“It is important to have a safe and fun place for the community to be able to go and cool off,” Gillen said. “Due to the age and use of its amenities, the replacement was needed for the enjoyment and safety of the patrons.”

Mayor Shon Harris said, “paying deliberate attention to enhancing quality of life is one thing that sets Yuba City apart and makes us unique.”

“The Gauche Aquatic Park is a shining example,” Harris said. “Not only do residents get to have fun, get exercise, and engage with friends and neighbors in a controlled, safe environment but learning and developing swimming skills helps keep people safe.”

Yuba City is proactive regarding public safety, offering swim classes at the center.

“The first and most important reason is drowning prevention,” Gillen said.  “By providing swim lessons, we can help children of all ages acquire invaluable water safety skills.”

Skills include floating techniques, breathing exercises, treading water, and essential swim strokes, according to Gillen, who noted that “lessons also promote physical and mental well-being.”

Yuba City even sets the mood with a twilight swim from 8 to 10 p.m.

“It’s fun and different,” Gillen said. “It gives the community an opportunity to experience swimming at night in a safe environment while we play music, hand out prizes, and give out glow bracelets.”

Out of the water, residents of all ages gather for the Summer 2024 Yuba Concert Series, featuring local bands. Every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., residents can sing and dance on the lawn to a variety of music, including Latin, ’80s rock and tribute bands.

Summer Concert Series

 The Yuba City Summer Concert Series features music and food on the lawn for all ages to enjoy this season. Photo courtesy of Yuba City


“By providing concerts and movies in the park, we are providing a space where people can gather and enjoy a shared experience,” Gillen said. “Common interests are found, and friendships are made, strengthening our community.”   

Another opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other is on July 2, 16 and 30, when family-friendly movies start at sunset at Gauche Aquatic Park.

“It’s important to offer a variety of activities, something for everyone,” Gillen said. “Offering different activities allows individuals to explore new hobbies or expand on their existing ones.”

While Yuba City youth can enjoy the seasonal flag football program, Yuba City adults can keep it active with summer softball or volleyball programs.

“Outdoor activities enhance overall health and wellness and encourage healthy habits,” Gillen said, adding programs improve sport-specific skills and build confidence, teamwork and responsibility. “It allows them to keep learning, make new friends, and just get out and play.”

Yuba City program prices vary for residents and non-residents, with some free events.

“We do offer a scholarship program for youth to receive swim lessons or other recreation programs for free or at a minimal cost, but unfortunately, we do not offer any of our public swim sessions for free,” Gillen said, adding Tot time, public swim and evening pool events have a fee.

Gauche Aquatic Park

 Tot Time offers privacy for parents and infants to play in the water during dedicated times at Gauche Aquatic Park. Photo courtesy of Yuba City


Gillen noted the Rick Balfour Scholarship, which provides summer programs “to assist families in need with opportunities that otherwise would be lost.” Lastly, Yuba City Summer Camp provides a place for parents to drop off their children during the season. Along with arts and crafts, the program includes daily swim time at the aquatic park, weekly field trips.

Harris calls the park and programs “a win-win and clearly a wise use of city resources.”

“The Gauche Aquatic Park is one of the more active and heavily used amenities in Yuba City,” Harris said. “Providing a high quality of life to our residents is a long-time priority of the City Council and every city employee.”

For more information on Yuba City seasonal programs, visit www.Yubacity.net.

Yuba Youth Summer Camp

 Yuba Youth Summer Camp offers a series of programs to keep adolescents active while parents are at work or running errands. Photo courtesy of Yuba City


Yuba City Parks and Recreation

 The Yuba City Parks and Recreation Department Summer Camp Program offers daily activities, including bowling, where area adolescents enjoy the lanes and an opportunity to stay cool. Photo courtesy of Yuba City


lifeguards Yuba City

 Calling all lifeguards for the Yuba City program that teaches youth how to save lives. Photo courtesy of Yuba City