Shawnee County pools to open on Saturday

Shawnee County residents can look forward to having good times by the pool, starting this Saturday, as area pools and aquatic centers will be opening for the first time this season.  

“Our three major aquatic centers and our four community swimming pools will open the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend”, said Mike Mclaughlin, Communications and Public Information Supervisor for Shawnee County Parks + Recreation. “Swimming hours, admission prices, and rental information are available in the Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s Summer issue of The Guide, but major aquatic centers are open Noon to 7 p.m. and pools are open Noon to 5 p.m.”

The cost of admission varies at the different community pools and aquatic centers.

“Regular admission to Shawnee North and Blaisdell is $7 for adults and $6 for youth, two-to-12 years old. Children under two are free.”, said Mclaughlin. “ Admission to Midwest Health Aquatic Center is $8 for adults and $7 for youth. Admission to community pools is $2 at Hillcrest, Garfield, and Oakland. Rossville is $3 for adults and $2 for youth. You may also purchase pool passes for 10, 20 or 50 visits.”

Several area pools have received upgrades during the off-season.

“There have been some nice upgrades the past two seasons. At Blaisdell, we added a new children’s slide last year”, said Mclaughlin. “At Hillcrest Pool, which was the city’s original aquatic center, the tube slide has been replaced with an Aqua Zip’n feature that can be compared to the old rope pond swing where you start on the edge and swing out over the water and drop in. Then, we added 40-feet of shade structure, a sound system, and new benches in the restrooms. The Rossville Pool has a new basketball goal, as well.”

There are activities planned for swimmers and non-swimmers, alike.  However, people who would like more of an aerobic workout will, also, be pleased with the number of classes designed for them.

“Swimming is a life-long skill that everyone needs to learn. That’s why we do offer swim lessons”, said Mclaughlin. “Also, swimming is a great, low-impact way to get fit and stay fit. Our Water Walking class at Shawnee North is very popular. Patrons come out before or after regular pool hours to walk against the current in the Lazy River. At Midwest Health Aquatic Center, we, also, offer Water Aerobics in the wave pool.”

For more information about Shawnee County Parks + Recreation area pool schedules and fees, visit http://parks.snco.us/index.aspx?nid=42.