By Michelle Edgar
As schools let out for summer, thousands of families are heading to an unexpected destination tucked into the foothills of the northeastern San Fernando Valley. The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center in Lake View Terrace – home to the largest public swimming pool in the United States – has once again opened its gates for another summer season, offering families an affordable escape complete with towering waterslides, picnic areas and enough room for approximately 3,500 swimmers at a time.
Stretching roughly 1.5 acres, holding 1.5 million gallons of water and measuring 153 yards in length, the massive swim lagoon has become far more than a record-setting attraction since opening in August 1999. Today, Recreation and Parks officials say it serves as an important community gathering place where families from across Los Angeles County, and even visitors from neighboring states come together to cool off, learn to swim and create lasting summer memories.
The idea for the aquatic center dates back to the mid-1990s, when community leaders worked alongside then-Congressman Howard Berman to bring a world-class aquatic facility to the Northeast San Fernando Valley. After years of planning and community support, the vision became a reality, creating what remains not only the largest pool in Los Angeles, but the largest public swimming pool in the nation. “We’re proud that Hansen Dam is more than just the nation’s largest public swimming pool,” said Jimmy Kim, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. “It’s a place where families can spend quality time together, children gain confidence in the water, and communities have access to a safe, welcoming and affordable space to enjoy the outdoors.”
Located near the 118 and 210 freeways, the seasonal aquatic center serves residents of Lake View Terrace, Pacoima, Sylmar and neighboring communities while drawing visitors from throughout Southern California.
For Hansen Dam Aquatic Facility Manager Edwin Realegeno, the facility’s greatest distinction isn’t simply its record-breaking size. “It’s safe, it’s clean, and it’s affordable,” Realegeno said. “Families know they can spend the entire day here, barbecue, enjoy the water, and let their kids play with the confidence that they’re in a well-maintained facility staffed by highly trained lifeguards.”
Despite being home to one of Los Angeles’ most remarkable recreational amenities, Hansen Dam remains something of a hidden gem. Visitors can spend an entire day enjoying the swimming pool, waterslides, fishing lake, kayaking, picnic and barbecue areas, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, all with free parking.
Beginning July 1, admission will be just $1 for youth ages 3 to 17, while adults pay $4. Children 2 and younger are admitted free after July 1, making Hansen Dam one of Southern California’s most affordable family destinations. “Once families discover Hansen Dam, they come back year after year,” Realegeno said. “It’s much more affordable than a water park, and there’s something here for everyone.”
The aquatic center operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. The grounds are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., while the swim lagoon is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day through Labor Day, followed by weekend operations through the end of September.
This summer, the facility will also take center stage during two major celebrations. On June 28, Hansen Dam will host an early Independence Day celebration featuring a choreographed drone show sponsored by Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., as many as 3,500 guests are expected to enjoy the aerial spectacle while floating in the nation’s largest public pool.
From July 2 through July 5, Hansen Dam will become one of Los Angeles’ official FIFA World Cup Fan Zones, welcoming soccer fans from across the region as the city celebrates the world’s biggest sporting event. The designation places the Northeast Valley destination among a select group of locations helping Los Angeles welcome visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond recreation, Hansen Dam also plays an important role in developing the next generation of water safety leaders. Its six-week Junior Lifeguard Program serves youth ages 9 to 17, combining water safety education with ocean swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and weekly beach excursions. Participants also compete with other agencies, building confidence, leadership skills and lifelong appreciation for aquatic recreation.
As Southern California experiences increasingly hotter summers, officials say facilities like Hansen Dam are becoming more important than ever. “Every family deserves access to safe, high-quality recreation regardless of income,” Kim said. “Public spaces like Hansen Dam help strengthen communities, promote healthy lifestyles and give families the opportunity to create lasting memories together.”
Nearly three decades after opening, Hansen Dam has become exactly what its founders envisioned: a place where families can gather, children learn confidence in the water, and Angelenos from every corner of the region can enjoy an affordable day outdoors. In a city famous for its beaches, one of its greatest summer destinations continues to be tucked away in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, proof that sometimes Los Angeles’ biggest attractions are also its best-kept secrets.