13 June 20th-June 26th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | F rom the city parks of Phoenix and the sunbaked foothills of north Scottsdale to the suburban streets of Chandler, locales throughout the Valley share a common summertime obsession: the public swimming pool. There are more than 70 public pools, splash pads and aquatic centers across greater Phoenix, and they’re open to anyone with a few bucks and a towel — and in a few cases, an ID showing local residency. For some, these municipal watering holes are affordable spots to bring the family for a day of fun. For others, they offer an opportunity to learn a new — and potentially life-saving — sport or partake in a low-impact, full- body workout. But for everyone, public pools are great places to enjoy the outdoors during summer’s scorching heat. And with temperatures already topping 110 degrees this year, being able to cool off is vital. “I think people don’t realize during the winter how important our pools are, but come summer, they’re like, ‘What can I do to get out of the house?’” says Adam Waltz, spokesperson for Phoenix’s Parks and Recreation Department. “Being indoors all day is rough, and kids need to get their energy out. So having a respite that’s afford- able — and free at a lot of locations — for kids is an incredible asset to the community.” Phoenix alone has opened 18 pools this summer. These range from large regional pools with multiple water features, zero- depth entries, water slides and a slew of amenities, to smaller neighborhood pools with not much more than a diving board and some lounge chairs. And as the Valley continues to grow, large aquatic centers also have popped up in other cities, featuring everything from water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and multilane competi- tion pools to expansive locker rooms, fitness centers and even concessions. “It’s an experience that gets you out of your home,” says Evelyn McNiell, community services manager for Tempe Parks and Recreation. “You can enjoy all the amenities. Most people don’t have a 17-foot slide in their backyard. And if they do, I’m going to their house.” Of course, public pools aren’t just for splashing in the water. They all offer swim- ming lessons for everyone from infants to seniors — starting as low as $15 for the entire season, depending on the location. Lifeguard training programs, competition swim leagues and aquatic exercise classes also are offered. Of course, these programs are incredibly popular and fill up quickly, so check with your local pool now for avail- ability throughout the summer. “A pool, just like a library, is something that’s incredibly valuable for a community,” says Mark Foote, aquatics manager for Avondale, which debuted its Avondale Aquatic Center in May. “Yes, per capita in the Valley, more people have pools than do not have pools. But for some families, that’s just not an option. So to have a place where they can come and cool down and bring the entire family for less than 20 bucks is huge. Plus, swimming is a lifelong skill that can save your life.” So if you’re ready to dive into summer fun, head to your local public pool where you can relax and beat the heat. Not sure where to go? We’ve rounded up some of the Valley’s best community swimming desti- nations. For a complete list of public pools near you, check out your city’s Parks and Recreation website. Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center (Photo courtesy of Chandler Parks & Recreation) >> p 14 Metro Phoenix community pools are a cheap and fun way to beat the heat. BY REBECCA RHOADES
