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Staying cool on JBLM

Jump into the water at these base fun spots

Photo credit: Leah Jones

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Summer is reheating up in Washington, but you don't have to travel far to find places to cool off. Check out these places right on Joint Base Lewis-McChord where you can beat the heat with a dip in the water, or work on your tan. 

Shoreline Park 

This is a great park with a beach and volleyball court.  Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m.  This park also includes a large playground with swings, slides and a bathroom next door. There are also picnic tables and covered shelters with places to barbecue, or you can drop a line off the dock and try your hand at catching fish (requires a Washington fishing license).

Summer Cove Park

This large park on North Fort is the perfect sunny day spot.  Enjoy a sandy beach with views of Mt. Rainier on clear days. There are also picnic tables, grills, fishing, and a large playground with climbing structures, swings and slides.  A couple things to keep in mind: there isn't much parking available at the park, and the bathrooms are quite a walk. You can park at Russell Landing and The Bistro, which is also where the bathrooms are located.  Follow the pathway to the left of The Bistro, along the lake and to the playground and beach area at Summer Cove.

Kimbro Pool

This indoor pool is located on main post.  The pool has lap lanes, two slides, and a wading pool with four spray features.  Training equipment is available such as kick boards, buoys, paddles, fins and life jackets.  Recreational swim is 1-4 p.m. on weekdays, and 10:30-3:30 p.m. on weekends.  Make sure to bring your military I.D. and towel.  For the wading pool, wristbands are required.  They are distributed in a designated area during safety breaks (10 minutes to the top of the hour).

JBLM Splash Pad at Freedom Park

This spray park is a great way for kids of all ages to have fun and cool off.  Located right next to a large playground and skate park, this park provides hours of entertainment for the kiddos.  The water cannons you aim at your opponent are a big hit. It is also nice to have bathrooms located next to the playground, along with a covered picnic area. The splash pad is open daily 10-8:30 p.m.

McChord (outdoor) Pool  

Unfortunately, the outdoor pool on McChord is currently closed until further notice due to a failure of the pool system. It is scheduled to re-open later this summer - keep an eye on the aquatics site for the announcement.  When open, this pool features one 25- yard lap lane, a one and three-meter diving board, and equipment such as kick boards, buoys, paddles, fins and lifejackets.  Recreational swim is 12-7 p.m.

Find information for the pools and Shoreline Park at www.jblmmwr.com/aquatics.

Stay up to date by text: text Follow@JBLMAquatics.

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