Palm Desert Aquatic Center Opening Pushed To Late June

The opening of the $8 million Palm Desert Aquatic Center won't be until late June, the city announced today.

The opening is now set for 10 a.m. June 25, according to city spokesman David Hermann. It had originally been set for June 11.

Storms in the southern United States delayed the shipping of water pumps for the center's Olympic-sized pool. Workers also had difficulty finding the proper tiles to mark off the pool's individual swimming lanes, delaying construction, Hermann said.

City Manager John Wohlmuth said he wants to public to be able to dive into the Aquatic Center.

"It is worth taking the time to ensure that the grand opening fully showcases this exciting new amenity for our residents and for everyone in the Coachella Valley,'' Wohlmuth said.

A one-hour ceremony at 10 a.m. will kick off the grand opening, after which a special $1 fee will gain admission.

Normally, entry to the center will cost residents $4 and $6 for those from outside Palm Desert, Hermann said.

The YMCA has been contracted to operate the facility.

The center, which includes three pools, diving boards and water slides, is located at .

City News Service contributed to this report.