Aquatics – Manassas Park Park & Recreation

Meet Our New Aquatic Specialist, Grace Cruz!

Happy new year! I’m excited to introduce myself as the Aquatic Specialist for Manassas Park, Department of Parks and Recreation. I worked as a head lifeguard here at the Community Center a few years back and I’m so happy to return to the MPCC and Signal Bay Waterpark family. I look forward to seeing all […]

January 15, 2020

A young child floats on his back in a pool doing the backstroke

Give the Gift of a Life-Saving Skill! – by Sarah Barnett

The holiday season is here! I know we haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but with Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa less than five weeks away, it is time to start thinking about what gifts to get everyone on your list. A few years ago, I realized that I spent a lot of money on toys that my kids only played […]

November 21, 2019

A lifeguard points in front of him looking into the distance. He is holding a long red flotation device. He is wearing a white t-shirt and blue swim trunks.

Monday-Friday Pool Hours Restored (Sundays beginning October 13)

We are pleased to announce that beginning immediately the 1:00pm-4:00pm indoor pool hours for Monday-Friday have been restored. The 10:00am-12:00pm indoor pool hours for Sunday will be restored beginning October 13, 2019. We want to thank you for your patience and support during this challenging time. While we were navigating these challenges, so many of you sent […]

September 30, 2019

A young man stands to the left of a woman. She is wearing a shirt with lifeguard written on it. He is holding a red floatation device that says guard on it. She is running a lifeguard class.

How the National Lifeguard Shortage Affects Us – by Sarah Barnett

In early September, our Department announced that we were unable to consistently and safely staff our indoor pool during all hours of operation. As a result, we made the tough decision to close the pool Monday-Friday from 1:00pm-4:00pm and Sundays from 10:00am-12:00pm. This was no hasty decision, as I’m accustomed to doing whatever it takes […]

September 18, 2019

Due to Lifeguard Shortage, Reduction in Day Time Pool Hours Effective September 9th, 2019

Since 2009, aquatics facilities across the nation have experienced a decline in recruiting and retaining lifeguards. (Articles related to this trend have been included at the end of this notice). Despite this national shortage, the City of Manassas Park, Department of Parks and Recreation has been able to maintain the necessary levels of staffing to […]

September 6, 2019

A swim instructor is in the pool with a little girl. The little girl is floating on her back as she opens her legs to propel her.

A Smile is Free! – by Sarah Barnett

Something as simple as a smile can change your whole perspective on things! Imagine walking into a store and finding all of the employees who work there looking miserable and unpleasant. As you go through the checkout, the cashier does not smile and does little to interact with you. It would probably give you the […]

July 17, 2019

Learning to Swim at a Young Age – by Eliut Morales

Throughout their youth, children will learn a lot of different skills to help them become more aware of their environment. Skills like reading, writing, riding a bike, and manners are only a few, but perhaps one of the most important skills to learn at a young age is how to swim. However, some children may […]

June 24, 2019

Water Safety Day – by Sarah Barnett

It’s that great time of year again! The temperature warms up and people naturally gravitate towards water! However, with increased participation in aquatic recreation comes an increased risk of drowning or injury. Learning how to swim is only part of the equation to reducing your risk around water. The following are some additional ways to […]

May 14, 2019

Our Lifeguard Hiring Process Has Begun! – By Sarah Barnett

The holidays just ended and winter is in full effect. However, here at the Department of Parks and Recreation, it’s never too early to start planning for the summer months. Hiring and training staff for the summer is one of our biggest and most important tasks. Without well-selected and well-trained employees, our events and programs […]

January 11, 2019

Preparing Your Child for Swim Lessons – by Sarah Barnett

It may seem too early to start thinking about preparing your child for swimming this summer. However, now is the best time to start preparing them! Not wanting to enroll your child in swim lessons during the cold winter months is understandable. However, if your child is apprehensive about getting in the water and needs […]

November 8, 2018

Category Archives: Aquatics