When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center
Why Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center serves as a vibrant community hub for swimming enthusiasts, students, and families alike, offering a welcoming environment ideal for social gatherings, sports, and recreation. Named in honor of Captain Ned Baumer, a former Naval Aviator, master swimmer, and dedicated community leader, the aquatic center combines rich local history with modern facilities. Located within the expansive Hourglass Field Community Park and Miramar College campus, the center features a competitive swimming pool that hosts college aquatics classes, water polo matches, and swim team practices. Beyond collegiate activities, it promotes community engagement through available public swim passes, affordable at $20 per semester for students with proof of enrollment. The center is notable for its accessibility and inclusive amenities, including all-gender restrooms and shower facilities that support housing-insecure students, evidencing its commitment to safety and inclusivity. The aquatic center also allows for facility rentals when not in use by college teams, making it a desirable venue for private events and gatherings. Its proximity to related recreational amenities such as Hourglass Field House and soccer fields further embeds it into a broader community sports complex, providing a perfect setting to meet up with friends, participate in aquatic sports, or enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities. With accessible pricing, supportive services, and a legacy honoring a community champion, the Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center stands out as a welcoming and versatile community space.
Here's what people think of Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center
As of recent, Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center holds a 4.2-star rating based on 37 reviews.
User reviews for the Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center overall reflect a positive appreciation for the quality and upkeep of the facility, as suggested by an average rating of 4.2 from 37 reviews. Many users praise the aquatic center for its clean environment, well-maintained pool, and the diversity of aquatic programs offered, which appeal to both students and general community members. Positive feedback highlights the friendly and supportive staff, the availability of student swim passes which make the facility affordable, and the convenient access to amenities such as all-gender restrooms and accessible shower facilities. Reviewers also commend the center’s role in fostering community engagement and providing safe recreational opportunities in a campus setting. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional issues such as limited parking availability during peak times, restricted rental hours that depend on college schedules, and occasional overcrowding when popular classes or team activities coincide. A few users note that rental procedures require advance planning due to a 60-day request timeline and some may find this restrictive. Despite these minor critiques, the consensus shows that the aquatic center is well-regarded for its cleanliness, community inclusivity, and range of aquatic offerings. In conclusion, the Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center is valued as a dependable, well-run aquatic facility that successfully serves both the college population and the wider community, making it a popular choice for aquatic recreation and social events.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Aubree Christensen
Went in Summer 2023 and had a blast! Last summer the kids pool was closed all summer for repairs. I called today and the kids pool is still closed for repairs and they don't anticipate it opening at all. Frustrating.
Adam Hall
Fun community pool. Hours change by the season so check the website before you go. $2 for kids, $4 adult. They have a lap pool, kids play area and a rec pool. Big yellow slide has an age limit of 7+ and 48 in. tall.
Nicole D
It's the middle of summer and hot. Kids area was closed for "maintenence", however nothing was blocked off/ no work being done. Several guests asked when the other slide was going to turn on. Several employees kept pushing the time back that it was supposed to turn on. It never did. The lifeguards were talking to each other the majority of the time. The pool had way too much chlorine in it. They tried to charge my for my newborn and got annoyed when I said she would not be going in the water so I didn't want to be charged for her. (I still paid for myself even though I didn't get in). Seating is not ideal (not by Kids areas). Definitely wouldn't recommend and won't go back.
C Hubbell
By far my favorite public pool in San Diego. Lap swim is separated from the recreational swim AND the kiddo pool. The water is by far the most clean for the public pools. Locker room is huge and clean. Staff very friendly. Downside is hours can be very limited outside summer as it is the college swim team pool. Update: this year, the pool hours haven't been posted correctly in all spaces. The San Diego Community Pool master schedule has different hours than the Google hours which is different from the Ned Baumer internal schedule. I suggest calling ahead to make sure they're open.
Hanie Kazemeini
Pleaseeeee clean this place!!! 🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮women bathroom, locker and showers look disgusting!!!!!! that's a shame for a college!!! It needs more than cleaning, needs renovation and some cleaning staff like other sdccd colleges! whoever is responsible, go to Mesa college get some ideas!!
How to reach Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center
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Why Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center with your friends? This aquatic center is a vibrant, well-equipped destination that guarantees fun, relaxation, and memorable experiences for groups of all ages. Whether you’re planning a casual afternoon hangout, a lively birthday party, or an engaging team meetup, the facility offers a welcoming environment with plenty of space and diverse water activities to appeal to everyone. Its combination of multiple pools, including competitive, recreational, and children’s pools, allows guests to choose their preferred aquatic setting. The heated water and family-friendly features, like a twisty waterslide and beach-style entry pool, enhance the experience. Additionally, the center’s location adjacent to the expansive Hourglass Field Community Park means that your friends can enjoy complementary outdoor activities before or after splashing around. The venue’s accessibility and safety standards further build confidence that your group’s gathering will be comfortable and well-supported. For groups aiming to blend social interaction with health, fun, and a uniquely refreshing setting, Ned Baumer Aquatic Center stands out as an ideal rally point that brings everyone together in a lively, safe, and laid-back backdrop.
What types of activities are available at Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center that make it perfect for group meetups? The center boasts three distinct pools designed to cater to different preferences and abilities. The main competitive pool is 25 yards long and 10 lanes wide, with a depth ranging from 6 to 13 feet, complete with a 1-meter diving board. This makes it fantastic for swim competitions, structured group swim workouts, or splashy games like water polo, which the facility actively supports. The recreational pool, slightly smaller, features a thrilling 1-story waterslide, perfect for groups wanting light-hearted fun and social interaction in the water. Its depth varies from 3 to 6 feet, allowing for safe play among users of different skills. For families and friends with young children, the center includes a children’s pool with a gradual beach-front entry and depths from zero to 18 inches, so little ones can safely splash and play. Together, these options offer a multi-dimensional aquatic experience suitable for everyone—from competitive sports enthusiasts to casual playgroups—making the venue an excellent choice for social swim meetups or active birthday parties.
Why is Ned Baumer Aquatic Center an ideal venue for hosting birthday parties or special events? The center’s layout and amenities are purposely designed to support group celebrations and gatherings. Hosting a birthday here means guests can take advantage of the full amenities: swimming pools for engaging activities, the exciting waterslide for main-event thrills, and available shaded seating areas for socializing and refreshments. The joint-use nature of the facility with Miramar College means that it’s well maintained and staffed, offering high standards of cleanliness and lifeguard supervision to ensure everyone’s safety. The aquatic center also connects with Hourglass Field Community Park, providing additional areas for picnics, sports, and other group play. This multi-venue setup creates flexibility for party planning with both aquatic and dry-land options available. Moreover, the center welcomes group bookings, making it easy for organizers to coordinate events that can range from small friendly get-togethers to larger family reunions or community celebrations.
What other recreational options surround the Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center, and how does that enhance the meetup experience? Located beside Hourglass Field Community Park, the aquatic center offers an extended recreational environment beyond the pools. The park features multi-sport fields, tennis courts with lights, sand volleyball courts, a children’s play area, and a multi-station par fitness course. These facilities invite diverse activities before or after your time in the water. This means your group can mix a swimming party with a friendly volleyball match or some tennis doubles. The availability of off-street parking and restroom & concession buildings within the park ensures your entire gathering’s comfort and convenience throughout the day. Such complementary amenities support prolonged group outings, accommodating different interests and energy levels, and making it easier for families and friends to spend quality time together in multiple ways.
How accessible and safe is the Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center for groups? Accessibility and safety are paramount concerns for group activities, and the facility addresses both well. The pools include features suitable for swimmers of all skill levels—from beginner swim lessons and children's shallow pools to competitive swimming lanes and diving boards—making everyone feel comfortable and included. The heated water enhances comfort for swimmers, extending the usability of the aquatic center through cooler months or breezy days. Lifeguards and trained staff oversee all pool activities, helping maintain a secure environment. In addition, the facility offers safe shower and changing areas, catering also to the needs of students and community members needing accessible services. Ample parking and well-marked entrances make arrival and departure smooth, even for large groups. Being a joint-use facility with Miramar College, the aquatic center benefits from continuous upkeep and oversight, making it a reliably safe and accessible venue for social gatherings.
Why do visitors rate Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center favorably? With a solid rating of 4.2 from 37 reviews, guests commonly praise the center for its well-maintained pools, family-friendly atmosphere, and the addition of fun features like the twisty waterslide. Many appreciate the clean, heated water, which creates a welcoming space for all ages and ensures longer swim times without discomfort. Others highlight the excellent lifeguard supervision and the variety of swimming activities available, from recreational laps to organized water polo. The connection with Hourglass Field Community Park also earns positive remarks due to the range of combined outdoor amenities, which enhances the overall visit experience. Some reviews note the recent temporary closure of the children’s pool as a minor setback but emphasize the center’s responsiveness and communication during such times. Overall, the Ned Baumer Aquatic Center is recognized as a great community hub that brings families and friends together for healthy, enjoyable water-based fun.
What practical tips can help groups maximize their experience at the aquatic center? Planning to visit with a group is best done with some advance preparation. Groups should consider calling ahead to check pool availability, especially for booking the children's pool or waterslide usage, which occasionally close for maintenance or safety checks. For younger swimmers, ensure participation in the mandatory swim test to use features like the twisty waterslide safely. Bringing snacks or arranging group picnics at the nearby park areas is a convenient way to extend the outing while everyone recharges. Don’t forget sun protection gear when enjoying outdoor areas and pools with open seating. Also, take advantage of the adjacent sports facilities for group activities that complement water fun, such as volleyball or tennis, making the meetup even more active and exciting. Lastly, checking the college’s calendar for any special swim classes or water polo events can add a unique dynamic to your group visit if you want to engage with the community.
In summary, the Ned Baumer Miramar College Aquatic Center is a dynamic and versatile location perfect for groups seeking a lively yet comfortable venue to mingle and have fun. Its combination of pools, waterslide, and access to surrounding park facilities offers multiple layers of activities that cater to all ages and interests. Supported by strong safety measures, excellent amenities, and favorable community reviews, it remains a top choice for friends and families wanting to rally together for memorable aquatic experiences.