McMurtrey Aquatic Center, Bakersfield

Located in downtown Bakersfield near the Mechanics Bank Arena, the McMurtrey Aquatic Center has served as a central hub for aquatic recreation and competition since its opening in June 2004. Named in honor of the McMurtrey family, whose $250,000 donation supported its development, the center was designed to offer a state-of-the-art facility for the community. It continues to host a wide range of activities, from casual recreation to professional training, including lap swimming, diving, water polo, and high school swim meets.

The center features two main pools: a large, heated Olympic-sized competition pool and a spacious 8,551-square-foot recreation pool. The competition pool includes nine 25-yard lanes, nine 50-meter lanes, and both one- and three-meter diving boards. Depths range from 3 feet 6 inches to 14 feet 2 inches, making it suitable for both beginner swimmers and elite-level athletes. The recreation pool, designed with families in mind, includes zero-depth entry, double water slides, a plunge pool, interactive play elements, and a water volleyball zone.

Beyond its pools, the facility offers amenities such as oversized locker rooms with showers and electrical outlets, picnic areas for visitors, and space for party rentals. Lifeguards are on duty during business hours, ensuring a safe experience for all guests. With more than 500 adjacent parking spaces and a location accessible to the city’s core, the McMurtrey Aquatic Center is both a practical and popular destination.

In addition to community use, the center has served as a training ground for Olympic athletes such as Gabe Woodward, Rebecca Giddens, Larsen Jensen, and Joey Hansen, cementing its role not just in local recreation but also in national sport.