Stay cool during 100-degree heat with Amarillo pools, splash pads
Editor's note: This story originally appeared in Saturday's e-edition and online at amarillo.com, where you can find more details and related content.
With temperatures consistently reaching over 100 degrees in the area, the Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department says they have begun to see more than average attendance at its aquatic facilities, as more people turn to city pools and splash pads for relief from the summer heat.
"If the weather gets hot, people and their families are looking for a fun way to stay cool, and our outdoor pools and splash pads are a great option. So, we have definitely seen an upturn in attendance over the past couple of weeks with the weather being so hot," Becki Dryer, assistant director for Amarillo Parks and Recreation, said.
In total, Amarillo has 13 splash pads located at parks throughout the city and three outdoor community pools. Dryer stated that before any of the facilities are open, they must pass a series of requirements, including an environmental inspection, the temperature being above 75 degrees, and no harmful weather conditions such as lightning, rain and heavy winds.
Each year, the splash pads commonly open the day of Mother's Day or the second Sunday in May, and the pools open the last Tuesday of that month. All aquatic facilities remain open until Aug. 6. The city's indoor pool, located inside the Charles E. Warford Activity Center, is usually open year-round, offering different water activities.
Throughout the summer months, Parks and Recreation offers a series of activities at the local pools, including free swim times, water yoga, pool games, and themed events.
"We try to add some fun events," Dryer said. "We just had our Shark Week event, where we had shark games including giant inflatable shark floaties, shark beach balls, shark giveaways, and then each kid had the opportunity to take a picture with our special guest Sammy the Seal."
Dryer spoke of the importance for the Amarillo residents having a place to swim and create memories during the summer months at an affordable cost.
"I love going to our pools, seeing all the families and other kiddos running around having a great time," Dryer added. "We have some really cool amenities over at Thompson (Park) Pool with the river and water slide. I always really enjoy seeing all the families out there and am excited that the city of Amarillo can offer these opportunities for all of the families at a low cost."
Parks and Recreation postponed its Dive in Movie showing "Grown Ups." Dryer said that due to low enrollment, the department has moved the event to Sept. 8 at John Stiff Memorial Park, located at 4800 Bell St. The event is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. Free popcorn will be served during the film.
Except for one site closed due to vandalism, city's Splash Pads are open and free to use daily
Amarillo Splash Pads are free to use and are open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the week.
According to a Facebook post by the Amarillo Parks and Recreation, the Benton Park Splash Pad has been closed due to vandalism.
Other Amarillo splash pad locations include:
Bones Hooks Park
City View Park
Eastridge Park
El Alamo Park
Forest Hill Park
Gene Howe Park (Martin Road)
Glenwood Park
Hamlet Park
Medical Center Park
Memorial Park
San Jacinto Park
Southlawn Park
Westover Park
The Amarillo outdoor community pools including the Southeast, Southwest and Thompson park locations each have separate hours of operations and admissions fees. For more information about Amarillo's amenities or to schedule a reservation, visit them online at https://www.amarilloparks.org/programs-events/aquatics/pools .
To stay up to date on any pool closings or upcoming events, follow Amarillo Parks and Recreation on their social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Parks and Recreation sees more patrons with 100 degree highs
