Q: The temps are beginning to climb and summer is just around the corner. What is new at the city pools this season?
We are very excited to welcome the community back to the Aquatic Center. After being closed for several months for upgrades, the pools are back in action and ready for swimming, splashing and sliding. The concrete pool decks for both the dive pool and the 50-meter pool were replaced and both were re-plastered. In addition, the columns on the diving boards were replaced and the scoring/timing systems were upgraded. I encourage all of you to get back out to the Aquatic Center to check out the renovations and enjoy cooling off in a fun and active way. The City of Santa Clarita has eight city pools offering a wide-range of programs. You can take part in swim lessons, water aerobics, swim teams, party rentals, Float and Flick Movie nights and so much more. Please visit santa-clarita.com/aquatics for schedules and more information.

Q: The weather is perfect for getting out on two wheels and exploring our city. What do you recommend for people who haven't yet cycled on Santa Clarita's trails and paseos?
Our community is a fantastic place to ride thanks to the 100-plus miles of protected trails. Cyclists are able to get exercise, run errands or even get to work without having to worry about vehicular traffic. To find the trails nearest you, start at Bikesantaclarita.com and check out our off-street bike trails map. You can also join your neighbors, family and friends for the Hit the Trail Community Bike Ride on Saturday, May 13. There are three different start locations where you can set off on a free, self-guided trail ride - and everyone who participates will receive a goody bag. The following week, May 15 to May 19, you can be part of the no-pollute commute by taking part in the Bike to Work Challenge. This is an opportunity to see which businesses in Santa Clarita can get the most employees to bike to work. The large, medium and small businesses with the largest percentage of participation will win a prize for their team and individual riders will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a bunch of amazing prizes. Pit stops will be available around town on Thursday, May 18, from 7am to 9am. At the various pit stops you can sign-in, get refreshments, grab a few giveaway items and say hello to fellow riders and hosts. More information is available at
bikesantaclarita.com.

Q: There has been so much buzz about the new exercise staircase and other amenities coming to Central Park. What are the details of the buildout project?
Ever since the concrete was poured, residents have been clamoring to try out the new exercise staircase - which shows how popular this new amenity will be! Besides the 172-step staircase, the Central Park Buildout Project will also bring four additional sports fields to the park. If you have spent any time at Central Park, you know how many practices and games are hosted on the fields - and how much the additional space is needed. These new fields will help fill that void. The project will also add new restrooms, additional parking, lighting enhancements and upgrades to the Central Bark Dog Park. This project is in the final stages and the new amenities should be open and ready to welcome residents very soon.