Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
Pasadena, CA
Mission
Opened in 1990, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has achieved milestones in its mission: to help everyone achieve their personal best by providing the finest aquatic educational, competitive, therapeutic and recreational programs. The RBAC is a one-of-a-kind facility in Pasadena, CA that includes two Olympic Pools, a Dive Well, Therapy Pool, Weight Room, multi-purpose community room, locker rooms, 7 family changing rooms, store and cafe. Serving patrons from throughout the San Gabriel Valley and all of Los Angeles County, it is open 360 days per year, providing more than 100 hours of programming weekly. The Center plays a vital role in offering health and recreational programs for people of all ages, all abilities including those with special needs, and all walks of life. Whether patrons focus on acquiring aquatic/athletic skills or engaging in competitive swimming, water-based therapy, recreational exercise and training or meeting special needs, they turn to the RBAC for a reliably safe and supportive environment that challenges mind and body, transforms health and welcomes everyone to a vibrant and dynamic community. The RBAC has competitive programs in water polo, swim, and dive, as well as programs for lap swim, swim lessons, summer camp, aerobics classes, weight training, pre/post-natal exercise, and therapy. It is home to The Rays, Swim Team for children with special needs and Camp Splash! summer day camp for children with special needs. The RBAC has hosted the national swimming championships in 1995, the U.S. Olympic swimming team in 2000, the 2008 National Dive Championships, the U.S. Olympic Men's Water Polo team in an exhibition with the Croatian Men's Olympic Team in 2012, the 2014 ParaPanPacs and the U.S. Olympic Duet Synchronized Swim Team in 2016. Our donation and grant program is an essential part of the RBAC ability to fulfill our mission and provide scholarships, teach at-risk children to swim, offer healing warm water exercise, serve those with special needs, give kids a chance to be part of a team and employ the best coaches, instructors, therapists, and camp counselors. Scholarships provide opportunity to those who could not participate without financial assistance. The RBAC provides over $500,000 in scholarship assistance annually including the program that provides all 1,450 third grade students in all 18 elementary schools in Pasadena Unified School District with water safety/learn-to-swim lessons at NO cost to families. During 2017, the RBAC provided leadership for a pilot program with 6th grade students from Washington STEAM Magnet Academy. Students acquired aquatic skills and gained competitive experience for team membership. Fully 10% of our teams receive scholarship assistance and many of our programs that reach deeply into our community make it possible for everyone, from novice to expert, to participate and benefit from all that we offer here.
