If you’re looking for an alternative to ultra-expensive water parks, like Adventure Island in Tampa or Wet ‘n Wild in Orlando, why not check out some local swimming pools from one of Tampa Bay’s city parks and recreation departments. You will be amazed at what it has to offer in summer and even year round. These public places swimming pools are not just for swimming classes or for school activity use. These are indeed available to the public. Some, however, have restricted afternoon hours, while others are open in the morning and just before sunset. I’ve been swimming in some of these pools here in Tampa Bay and I’ve certainly come a long way. Let’s check out what these wonderfullocal swimming pools have to offer in terms of features, hours of operation, and fees. and places Now you will learn more about the best kept secret.
1. Northern Aquatilium beach complex – St. Petersburg, Florida
This is the first of three very impressive public swimming pools in Pinellas County. At Ortus St. Petersburg and the Recreation Department are nine swimming pools across the city. However, one in particular seems to be the most interesting, the North Beach Aquatic complex that has been open this year. St. Pete is located in a beautiful estate with this swimming pool complex featuring a 50 meter pool with a table diving, a 25 yard training pool with no depth of entry, a giant river slide, a splash pad, a water play, a pool deck for sunbathing and a picnic area. Public swim hours are Monday – Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 a.m. For those who enjoy the sunset, those hours are swimming from 7:30 p.m. – 9 a.m. A one-day admission ticket is $2.50 for children ages 3-12. Adults aged 13 & up to $3.00 admission. Their location is at 901 N. Shore Drive in St. Pete (727) 893-7727.
2. Clearwater Beach Genus Aquatilis Complex – Clearwater, Florida
Talk about aesthetic beauty and the best of both worlds The Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Complex is located right next to the famous Clearwater Beach. One of its main advantages is seasonality. This state-of-the-art swimming pool houses six laps, 25 lap swimming pools, a children’s area with water fountains , a “raindrop” waterfall that looks like a mushroom, a frog tends to slide and leak water. There are sketched areas of the structure with chairs and tables with chairs for relaxing by the pool. Hours for the family aquatics complex are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday is 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. It will be open from June 10, 2010 to August 23, 2010. Daily admission fees for Youth (ages 18 and under) are $3.74 and Adults (ages 19 and under) are $5.61. A 7% sales tax is also added. Located at 51 Bay Esplanade in Clearwater. (727) 462-6020.
3.) Pool – Dunedin, Florida
Make sure to checkout the Kiwanis sprayground which is open from 9 p.m. at sunset Monday through Sunday. Aspergine also features Dunedin’s own “Nessie”, which is an interactive playground with water. It actually closes the bolts when it is detected. I absolutely love the waterfall mushroom. The Highlander pool is more or less bare bones in comparison to the complex swimming pools put out before. If you want to swim then this is the one for you. There is a children’s pool and an outdoor 25 x 25 meter swimming pool with two 1-meter diving boards. For those avid swimmers who need a morning workout in their lap, special hours are just for you. Lake Swim Hours are Monday – Friday 5 p.m. – 10 a.m. plus 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Open to the public and swim lap hours are Monday -Thursday 1:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. – 5 a.m. and Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 a.m. Admission is $3.75 and their address is 1937 Ed Eckert Drive in Dunedin. (727) 298-3266.
4.) Bobby Hicks Pool – Tampa, Florida
Amazing swimming pools from the Amazing swimming pools at the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department are as no-frills as you can get. Again, if they’re interested like swimming in a pool, that’s certainly what they’re offering. Inconveniently, many of the swimming pools I went to that were located in upscale Tampa neighborhoods were temporarily or temporarily closed. You’d think all the swamps in Tampa would be open, at least in the summer. Of course, the other pools available in parts of Tampa aren’t quite as adventurous. I’ll just leave it at that. But what is the expected price of this lake? The only problem is its remote location. It is in South Tampa, just south of Gandy Boulevard. This would be a big difference to many other places in Tampa. But they have excellent working hours. Bobby Hicks pool open Monday – Thursday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 6 p.m. – Road. and Saturday at 10 p.m. – 4 p.m. The address is 4201 W. Mango Avenue in Tampa. (813) 832-1216.
When you compare the unusual admission prices from those water parks like Adventure Island and Wet ‘n Wild these four swimming pools are like a dream come true it is with free confession. A word of caution about local swimming pools are all outdoors. Make sure to bring plenty of sun screen, especially when you go to those swimming pools in the afternoon hours when the sun is at its peak. Follow the rules, stay safe and enjoy swimming in a lake near you this summer.
SOURCES:
|
http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/cbrc.asp
http://www.stpete.org/recreation/aquatics.asp
http://www.dunedingov.com/home.aspx?page=departments/LeisureServices/pool&title;=Highlander%20Pool
