Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s Physical Therapy Clinic to Close July 28

Nonprofit Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) has announced the closure of its physical therapy clinic effective July 28 due to rising costs of operations and difficulty in securing qualified staff. 

“The decision to close RBAC Physical Therapy was a complex and carefully considered one, influenced by several factors,”  Jimmy Francis, President and Executive Director of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, told Pasadena Now. 

Francis identified the causes as “market conditions, the evolving healthcare landscape, and a dynamic and highly competitive labor market for physical therapists.”

 “We regret the impact this closure will have on our patients and valued team members affected. We are committed to supporting our employees and patients throughout this transition,” Francis said.

He declined to say if any Aquatics Center employees would be let go.

Francis said the RBAC’s therapy pool, existing group therapy classes, water aerobics, adaptive swim lessons, and individual use of the pool will remain as scheduled and continue to benefit the community.

He also said that for the time being the 4 Group Wellness Classes will continue, but the program “is currently under evaluation.”

The group aqua aerobics program that is comprised of over 35 classes (20+ aqua aerobics, 10 arthritis, and 5 senior aqua aerobics classes) is not affected by this change.

The RBAC’s decision to discontinue offering physical therapy services is making life more difficult for local resident Kari Afschar, for one. Her son, who has cerebral palsy, has been going to the RBAC physical therapy clinic for care twice a week for 11 years. 

“I’m totally overwhelmed because getting services lined up for a disabled kid is very difficult,” Afschar said.

Without therapy, her son’s mobility and range of motion, which has improved through therapy over the years, will be back to being limited, she said.

“I was upset and angry that someone would cut services for the disabled. Many people have relied on their services for quite a while in the community.”

Afschar said finding an alternative clinic would be difficult. She said the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is only one among a very few local facilities that has physical therapists, accepts children, and operates a properly warmed pool.

“The therapy pool is 91 degrees, a specific temperature meant for therapy. There’s no other pool that I know of and really far, certainly within Pasadena that offers that warm pool,” according to Afschar.

“A lot of the clinics don’t take children, so I think [parents and patients are] going to have to drive further, go to places that they’re not used to.”

Afschar believes the decision will also impact disabled and injured people who go to the clinic regularly for therapy. 

According to her, the clinic was always fully booked due to the many people needing therapy and the shortage of physical therapists. 

Though the closure was already announced, Afschar is still hopeful RBAC will change the decision.

“I’m trying to prevent this as best I can. Not just for my kids, but for all the other kids and adults I see in that pool.” 

Meanwhile, Francis said the RBAC is continuing to explore partnerships with local therapy clinics and independent therapists to poyentially provide services at the RBAC. 

“We are committed to exploring every avenue to provide our community with a comprehensive and diverse wellness program that meets their needs and expectations,” said Francis.

“We truly appreciate the understanding and support of our community as we navigate through this transition. Our commitment is to seek opportunities that will further enhance the impact and mission of the RBAC.” 

Those requiring assistance during the transition period may reach RBAC via phone at 626-564-0330 x425 or email at therapyinfo@rosebowlaquatics.org.