By Cara Pattison
Contributing Writer
With the dog days of summer upon us, the local pools are beckoning residents to come for a dip – or a splash.
The Yukon Parks & Recreation Aquatics Program now hosts two outdoor pools and one splash pad maintained for use by the public.
“Our aquatics facilities are a very special part of life in Yukon during the summer, and we want to ensure it meets our city’s needs,” YPR Assistant Director Bryan Kelley said.
“From water aerobics to swim lessons to a swim team, we try to cover all the aquatic bases that anyone here would want to be involved in here.”
To keep everything running smoothly, Yukon Parks & Recreation has hired upwards of 30 seasonal and part-time lifeguards, head lifeguards and concession workers.
The cost for entrance into either City Splash or Kimbell Bay pool is free for kids three and under, $3 for ages 4-54, and $2 for ages 55 and up.
Dedicated swim fans also may obtain a pool membership, which will get them into any pool during normal business hours.
An individual summer pool pass costs $40 and a family pass is $100. Entrance to the Sunrise Splash Pad is free.
In the spring and summer, there are annual events that link the community to the aquatics program at City Splash Pool.
In May, the facility was used to host kayaking for kids during the Annual Festival of the Child.
On July 4, Freedom Fest visitors were treated to a free swim at City Splash from noon to 4 p.m.
The Mabel C. Fry Public Library will present a reward swimming party at City Splash on Aug. 1 from 6-8 p.m. for kids that meet their summer reading program goals.
“We love bringing the community together in our facilities,” Kelley said. “We work hard to keep it relevant and always improve for our patrons. In the coming year, there will be a new addition and a major improvement to the aquatics program.
“A new splash pad will be constructed at Freedom Trail Park with an estimated completion in the spring of 2024. Also, we are doing some pump room upgrades at City Splash over the next year. We’ve got some capital money allocated to revamp it. We are continuing to look for upgrades to the aquatic experience here in the city.”
CITY SPLASH POOL
City Splash, 2200 S. Holly Ave., is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from noon to 7 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
It hosts a low dive and water slide for a fast plunge into the cool water.
A pavilion is available with seating and a concession stand is stocked with treats and drinks. The pool has six lanes, a slide and a 13-foot deep end.
The Dolphin Swim Team is available at City Splash for swimmers ages 5-18. Practices are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10-11:30 a.m. through Aug. 5. Cost is $75 per person.
Individuals ages 16 and up can get some aquatic exercise at City Splash, as well.
Water Fitness classes run in two sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8:15 p.m. Session I is from June 5-28 and Session II is July 10 through Aug. 2. Cost is $40 per person or a $5 drop-in fee.
Water Aerobics classes are available at City Splash in two sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-9:15 a.m. Session I is June 6-29 and Session II is July 11 through Aug. 3. Cost is $40 per person or a $5 drop-in fee.
Also, City Splash Pool may be rented out at $180 for 0-75 guests or $350 for 76-150 guests.
Availability is limited to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5:30-7 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m. Private rentals include on-duty lifeguards to ensure the safety of guests.
KIMBELL BAY POOL
Kimbell Bay Pool, 525 S. Seventh, is open from noon to 5 p.m. every day except Tuesday. It hosts a shallow area for the little ones, a water slide, rock climbing wall, and concession stand.
Group swim lessons are available for all ages at Kimbell Bay Pool. Each two-week session runs Monday through Thursday until Aug. 3. Cost is $50 for each participant per session.
Class levels include the Parent-Tot session for babies and their parents to learn water basics. Based on their swimming knowledge and abilities, kids will be placed by a water safety instructor in Level 1-5, where their skills will be built upon.
Private and semi-private lessons are available upon request at a cost of $20 per lesson.
SUNRISE SPLASH PAD
The Sunrise Splash Pad as Sunrise Park, 550 S. Yukon Parkway, is open Sunday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This outdoor water feature offers a water cannon, rooster tail, triple dump bucket, a plenty of ground geyser sprays.
