Hot 'Dam,' What a Great Escape!

I first noticed Hansen Dam Recreational Area a few years ago as I was heading west on the 210 and my kids spotted a giant spiral waterslide. After repeated begging and pleading, I finally took them to check it out.

Located right off the 210 Freeway at Foothill Blvd., this park is home to a massive swim "lake" that can hold up to 2800 swimmers and is currently being refinished and painted.

There is a fishing lake right next to the pool, which is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until sunset, and anyone 16 and under can fish without a license. Parents helping their children fish also don't need a fishing license. The Department of Fish and Game stocks the lake with trout in the winter and spring, and catfish in the summer.

Fishing with children is a unique experience; I spent most of my time detangling the fishing line and making sure nobody got a hook in their eye when others were casting. With all the chaos my kids bring with them, it's no wonder they've never caught a fish (the surprising thing is that they've never lost an eye)!

The best time to catch fish is early morning or right before sunset, during the cooler months. Bring some bread to feed the ducks, coots, and geese that frequent this area.

For all you non-fisherman, enjoy a nice stroll along the Dam sidewalk, an easy three mile loop across Hansen Dam and back is an exciting adventure for the whole family. Scooters, bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs are all welcome. The pathway follows beautiful trees, little streams, and provides great opportunities for bird watching.

Canada geese and white egrets are common visitors to this area, along with red tailed hawks. Bullfrogs chirping is a common sound at Hansen Dam by the large pond areas. Wildflowers will be popping up in the next couple of weeks after all the spring rains, so this is an excellent time for capturing some beautiful pictures of the scenery. This hike also gives a nice view of the Hansen Dam Golf Course, honored by Golf Digest Magazine in 2009 as "one of the best places to play."

Although there are plenty of horses at the Dam equestrian center, it is just a boarding facility. Unfortunately there are no horse rentals here (unlike Griffith Park). However, there are monthly horse shows open to the public. Hansen Dam will also host the Spring Dressage Horse event on March 19 and 20.

There is plenty of free parking in several different lots throughout the park, which include sand volleyball courts, baseball fields, and play areas for children. Propane barbeques are allowed, and dogs are, too, so long as they are on leashes.

The pool and waterslide will be open on the weekends starting May 28 from noon-6 p.m., and starting June 25 they will be open every day from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Kids 17 and under get in free, and the cost for adults is only $2.50 per day

The pool also hosts a "polar bear swim" every New Year's Day at 8 a.m. Admission is free for all, and there is a welcome bonfire afterwards. Junior lifeguard programs are offered during the summer months, and there is a free fireworks show on July 4 starting at 8:30 p.m.

Call the Dam Aquatics Center at 818-899-3779 (11798 Foothill Blvd.) and the Dam Equestrian Center at 818-896-6514 (11127 Orcas Ave.).