The weather forecast for the summer is going to be HOT! With high temperatures forecasted to be in the upper 70's and 80's, the mission for the day becomes: STAY COOL!
And what better way to accomplish that mission than to head for the pure refreshment of an outdoor pool. As COVID winds down for the vaccinated, folks will look to cool off at outdoor swimming pools. Here are a few outdoor swimming pools in Pierce and Thurston counties worth checking out:
PIERCE COUNTY
Stewart Heights Park, located at 402 E. 56th St. in Tacoma, features a 160-foot water slide, a Lazy River, and a zero-depth, beach-style entry. There's also a Bubble Pool, a Water Play Structure, Water Basketball and Tumble Buckets. All of this for about half the cost of Wild Waves. The pool is hiring lifeguards, so we are expecting them to open soon. See metroparkstacoma.org/stewart-heights-pool/.
Tacoma's newest water park, Kandle Park, located in North Tacoma, has two entrances: One at 5302 N. 26th St. and one at 2323 N. Shirley St. The first wave pool in Pierce County, Kandle Pool Park also features "... a gradual beach-like entry, so it's easy for people of all ages and abilities to get in on the action. A separate shallow tot pool and sprayground ensure a fun time for the whole family." (metroparkstacoma.org/kandle/) Like Stewart Heights, the pool is hiring lifeguards so watch online for open times. For more information, contact Kandle Pool Park at 253.404.3920 or check out their Facebook page (facebook.com/pages/Kandle-Park/134682186622419).
Just outside Tacoma, in the city of Fircrest, is the Fircrest Pool, located at 555 Contra Costa Ave. The pool is now open by reservation for residents and non-residents. Along with the swimming pool, there is also a wading pool for the little kids, and both pools are available to rent for parties. There are also season passes available. For any pool-related questions, please email Park & Recreation Director, Jeff Grover, at jgrover@cityoffircrest.net. You may also call the pool directly at 253.327.1213.
THURSTON COUNTY
UPDATE: The Sandstone Quarry Pool is currently closed due to construction. Check the website for details.
Probably the most unique outdoor water park in the South Sound is the Sandstone Quarry Pool in the little town of Tenino. The all natural, fresh water pool located at 399 West Park Ave., was supposedly begun when workers in the original sandstone quarry accidentally struck a freshwater spring, flooding the quarry and forming the pool. There's a shallow wading pool for the little kids, a diving board for the bigger kids, and even a waterfall for the truly adventurous. For more information, check out the website (ci.tenino.wa.us/quarry-pool/) or the Facebook page (https://facebook.com/pages/Tenino-Rock-Quary-Pool/105352036289293?sk=info&tab=page_info), or contact the Tenino City Hall at 360.264.2368.
JBLM
For those who live on JBLM, there's an outdoor pool on base. The McChord Outdoor Pool, located at Bldg. 736, 5th St., JBLM, McChord Field, features one 25-yard lap lane during Recreational Swim, a one-meter diving board and a three-meter diving board. The pool is now open and is free to anyone with a military ID. For more information check out the website (https://jblm.armymwr.com/programs/aquatics) or contact the office of MWR at 253.982.2807.
Now there's no excuse to suffer the heat in silence. Enjoy the fresh air, the sunshine, and the cool refreshment of an outdoor pool.
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