As temperatures continue to spike across Yolo County, residents in the Capay Valley need somewhere to cool off amid the scorching-hot conditions. That’s where the Tuli Mem Park and Aquatics Center come in.

Located at 17257 Yolo Ave. in Esparto, Tuli Mem Park opened in May 2019 after multiple decades of efforts to bring the center to Capay Valley.

“Tuli mem” roughly translates to “swim park” in Patwin, a language spoken by members of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, one of the many groups involved in the efforts. Others included the county, Western Yolo Recreation Center Association (WYRCA), the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Esparto Unified School District and YoloArts.

Carine Hines serves as the president of the WYRCA, a non-profit organization that was established in 2001 to create funds for the park project. Hines joined the organization in 2018 and became the president in 2020 right before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“In 2018, we were able to secure funds from a Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation donation,” Hines recalled. “Also, a tax ordinance had been passed in Esparto to allow a part of the property taxes to go towards funding operations for the pool. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors approved to have the park built and the land was given by the school district. In 2019, we were able to build the park and pool. Programs are now being run by the YMCA and school district.”

The center is home to much more than a pool. Tuli Mem Park has a basketball court, softball field, soccer fields, a walking trail and a picnic area. Hines said the soccer fields, however, are not available for tournaments due to turf regulations being unmet upon it being built.

“We still can’t host soccer or football games, but the goal is that we will eventually have that,” she said. “The grass isn’t in great conditions and there are a lot of holes in it. It’s a hazard for tripping or twisting an ankle. Yolo County Parks is working very hard to remedy that situation, they are great partners in this.”

Free community recreation swims, sponsored by the WYORCA, are on Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. and all day on Sundays. The pool is open daily, sans Mondays. Adults cost $4, seniors are $3, children (2-17) are $2 and infants are free.

“We secure sponsorships so there can be free recreation swim days. We continue to advocate for the community so that the county continues to invest in our community,” Hines explained. “Our rural community is underserved when it comes to park space and available outdoor recreation space.”

Capay Valley residents weren’t able to use the majority of the pool last summer due to repairs. The large pool was temporarily closed due to a “blown electrical fuse part,” and that “supply chain issues are delaying the arrival of a replacement part.”

Amid 100-plus-degree temperatures, Tuli Mem Park does have a wading pool that is open and free for families. The pool is open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2-5 p.m., Wednesdays & Fridays from 2-7 p.m., Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Recent projects for the park include the installation of shade structures and future plans to build a playground and picnic tables, Hines said.

“I love that I can take my kids to the pool and there is a beautiful kiddie pool. Everyone can hang out in the shade and cool off, so that’s my favorite part,” Hines said. “I absolutely love some of the landscaping and the walking trail.

The projects are being funded by the American Rescue Plan, according to Hines.

“Overall, that money has gone a long way to helping our community and the park being there to host that opportunity has been really important for this community that is very-low income and not a culture of people who swim,” Hines said. “There’s still a lot of work to be done on the park. Everything takes time, especially in government.”

For more information about the Tuli Mem Park and Aquatics Center, visit their website at tulimempark.com. You can find them on social media as well, on Facebook and Instagram.