History 4

Hours & Fees

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to one half hour before Dusk

Friday – Sunday: 6 a.m. to one half hour before Dusk

Weekdays: $3/vehicle

Weekend/Holiday: $5/vehicle

Park Maps & Information

Click Here for photo gallery and facility maps of the 190 acre Recreation Preserve.

SANTEE LAKES HISTORY - A LOOK BACK - PART 4
Swimming at Santee Lakes In July 1962, a painstaking research assignment began to determine if Santee Lake's water was safe for swimming. Finally, in the Spring of 1965, the virologists had concluded that the Santee Water District had constructed an extremely effective barricade against passage of waterborne viral organisms and swimming was permitted.

A Sand Bottom Swimming Basin In May of 1965, the construction of a sand bottom swimming basin was complete. On June 12, 1965 the first swimmer entered the reclaimed water at Santee Lakes; nine year old Jimmy Lowery. The swim basin was separate from the lakes; however, all of the water was supplied directly from the lakes. The basin had to be carefully observed and controlled to meet special health and safety requirements.

A Traditional Pool The District eventually removed the original sand bottom swim basin and constructed a traditional concrete pool.


Santee Lakes History - Part 1 Santee Lakes History - Part 2 Santee Lakes History - Part 3 Santee Lakes History - Part 4 Santee Lakes History - Part 5 Santee Lakes History - Part 6 About Us About Recycled Water Educational Tours Santee Lakes Flora & Fauna