As the weather starts to heat up, area pools and splash pads will be opening to help residents stay cool.
The Splash Pad at City Park on Park Avenue in Meriden will open for the season on Saturday, June 10. The park is free and open 7 days a week. The hours of operation are Monday-Saturday from noon-5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5:30 p.m.
“Ava Marquez runs the Splash Pad and she has been working feverishly to clean everything up and have everything nice for all the kids that come,” said Kathy Matula, Meriden Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Coordinator. “She’s awesome, she has free snacks for the kids like popsicles.”
“During the week it is a site for the Board of Ed meals so they deliver free lunches for the children,” Matula said. “Everyone can enjoy the new skate park there as well.”
In Southington, Memorial Park on Woodruff Street is scheduled to open Saturday morning, JUne 10, at 10 a.m. Hours of operation for the first week will vary by day.
“With it being the opening weekend I’m sure some folks will definitely come out,” said David Lapreay, Southington Director of Recreation Youth & Senior Services. “And as the weather continues to heat up and we start to get those warmer temperatures I expect the pools to be extremely busy specifically because we only have one pool open this year that will make things busier at Memorial Park than it usually is.”
The pool at Recreation Park will be closed all summer due to renovations.
“Because we have the one pool open this year we did extend some hours from what we normally do just in case we have an overflow,” Lapreay said. “Monday-Friday will be from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Saturday & Sundays will be from 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.”
The pool is open to Southington residents only and proof of residency is required. Each resident with proper id may bring one guest.
The Hubbard Park Pool in Meriden will opening on next Saturday, June 17.
“Everyone is going to be excited for the pool to open,” Matula said. “I love driving through Hubbard Park and seeing the pool filled up because that means that summer has started and it’s our favorite time of the year.”
Hubbard Park Pool will be open 7 days a week Monday-Sunday from 1-5:30 p.m.
“Wednesdays lap swims will be from 5:45-6:45 p.m. for lap swimmers only,” Matula said.
Those who wish to use Hubbard Park Pool must purchase a pool pass at the pool, online at www.meridenct.myrec.com or at the Parks, Recreation, & Facilities office. No cash is accepted, only credit cards. Meriden resident children $5, Meriden resident adults $15, non-resident children $15, and non-resident adults $25.
“Enjoy the pool, the lifeguards are wonderful, they’re all fully certified and take heed of the rules to keep everybody safe,” Matula said. “We hope that everyone has a very fun and safe summer.”
An adult is required to be with their child at the Splash Pad and Pool in Meriden.
The Community Pool in Wallingford will not be opening this year.
chooks@record-journal.com203-317-2279