Aquatics renovations near completion; department launches major seasonal hiring push

Bianca Baca, division manager for aquatics, told the commission the Rio Rancho Aquatic Center hosted three large high-school swim meets in the last two months, including a state qualifier with 13 teams, and that renovation work at the facility is nearly finished.

"That project is near complete," Baca said, noting HVAC and locker-room work, pool acid washing, tile sand-beading and demolition of old pool packs are finished and test-and-balance work began this week. She also said an ICIP-funded chemical controller at Cabazon (pool complex) was installed two weeks earlier.

Baca said seasonal aquatic positions would go live on the City of Rio Rancho website on Monday, March 2, and staff expects to recruit roughly 60 lifeguards. "We need probably 60 lifeguards," she said. Lifeguard training for new certifications is scheduled to begin April 16 and run through April 20; the minimum lifeguard age is 15 and junior lifeguards must be at least 14.

Deputy Director Noah reported the department will open more than 100 seasonal positions in early March for aquatics and summer camps at Star Heights, Haines, Cabazon, Sabana Grande and The Hub; summer-camp registration opens in April. Noah also said staff will pilot a condensed spring basketball season from April 12 through May 17.

Director Connie Peterson reviewed the spring brochure and highlighted events including a tree seedling giveaway (April 18), a rummage sale (April 11), Spring Fling (March 21), Shop Local (April 4), and an "eggs and bacon" animal adoption event (April 11). Peterson also provided early voting dates and locations for the March 3 municipal election and noted the Broadmoor Senior Center is serving as an early voting site.