By Jim Shilander
Users of the pool at the Aquatic Center at Vista Hermosa Sports Park have noticed some recent unwelcome visitors in recent weeks—rattlesnakes.
Pam Passow, the city’s recreation manager, said there have been a number of snake sightings in recent weeks throughout Vista Hermosa Sports Park, including the pool area.
“This isn’t something we ever expected,” Passow said.
Passow said since the area had essentially been “wild,” before the opening of the sports park in February, officials had thought they may see some wildlife. However, the rattlesnakes themselves have been a surprise, since they weren’t seen regularly during construction. There had been no incidents of bites yet, she said, and animal control had arrived within minutes each time a snake had been spotted. Passow said the snakes may also
Passow said special fencing to deter rattlesnakes had already been installed at the Courtney’s SandCastle playground and it seemed to have been effective. The department will soon begin installing fencing around the aquatic center in three phases, she said, starting with the area where snakes were believed to be coming in.
