Saturday 23 May 2015

Where to Go Swimming in Lexington, Kentucky




Source: Kentucky.com



Summers can really heat up in Lexington, Kentucky. As the sun beats down on the city, residents often look for ways to cool off and beat the scorching heat. What better way to do so than to take a swim. Luckily, Lexington, Kentucky is in no short supply when it comes to pools open to the public. Even still, there are several private pools across the city to buy a membership to, as well.



Family Aquatic Centers


Lexington, Kentucky has four family aquatic centers located around town. These include Castlewood (320 Parkview Avenue), Southland (625 Hill-n-Dale Drive), Tates Creek (1600 Gainesway Drive), and Woodland (601 East High Street). Each aquatic center has concession stands with healthy food items on the menu. They also have a bath house, diving boards, slides, outdoor play areas, and much more.


Castlewood, Tates Creek, and Woodland aquatic centers are open from 11:00am to 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday and 1:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday. Southland Aquatic Center is open from 10:00am to 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday and 1:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday.


Daily admission to each of these locations is $5.00 for ages 16 and older and $4.00 for children 15 and younger. If you and your family plan to make swimming a frequent activity this summer, consider purchasing a pool pass. Individual passes are $50.00 and $160 for a household with up to six people.




Neighborhood Pools


There are also three Olympic sized neighborhood pools in the Lexington city limits. These neighborhood pools include Douglass (701 Howard Street), Picadome (469 Parkway Drive), and Shillito (300 Reynolds Road). Just like the family aquatic centers, these neighborhood pools include bath houses, but instead of concession stands they have vending machines.


Douglass and Picadome neighborhood pools are open from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday through Saturday and 1:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday. Shillito neighborhood pool is open from 11:00am to 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday and 1:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday. Admission to these neighborhood pools includes $4.00 for ages 16 and older and $3.00 for those who are 15 and younger.




Homeowners Association Pools


Some neighborhoods in Lexington are a part of a neighborhood homeowners association. Many of these neighborhoods have pools that residents of the neighborhood enjoy paying for membership each summer. So if you are looking to buy a home, consider buying a home in one of Lexington neighborhoods that have association pools. This allows you to get to know your neighbors and eliminate the hassle of upkeep on an in ground pool in your backyard.




Swim Lessons


Each year Lexington Parks and Recreation holds swim lessons for children at select pools. The participating pools include Castlewood, Shillito, Southland, Tates Creek, and Woodland. The cost of these swim lessons is $25.00 per child.


There are four sessions in the series of swim lessons offer by Lexington Parks and Recreation. There are four sessions scheduled throughout June and July. Level 1: Water Exploration is for children who are just starting out or even fearful of the water. Level 2: Primary Skills covers basic swimming skills. Other levels include Level 3: Stroke Readiness, Level 4: Stroke Development, Level 5: Stroke Refinement, and Level 6: Stroke Proficiency. For more information, call 859-288-2980 or visit the Lexington Parks and Recreation office at 469 Parkway Drive.


Swim Teams


For those between the ages of 5 and 15 who enjoy swimming, consider joining one of Lexington's many swim teams. Swim teams generally start practice the beginning of June and will end with a championship meet in August. These will be held on Tuesdays and Thursday evening at 5:30pm. Swimmers must be able to pass the Red Cross Level 3 class in order to participate. The cost to enroll on a swim team is around $35.00. For more information, call 859-288-2980 or visit the Lexington Parks and Recreation office at 469 Parkway Drive.


Other Swim Team Websites:



  • Lexington Dolphins

  • Bluegrass Marlins

  • YMCA Swim Team

  • Wildcat Aquatics

  • The Signature Club

  • Palomar Piranhas





Birthday Parties


Summer in Lexington is a great time to have a birthday. While other kids are going to Champs, Gattitown, or another indoor venue for their birthday parties, kids with birthdays in the summer can throw a pool party at the Woodland Aquatic Center. The birthday pool party package includes one and a half hours of pool time, forty-five minutes in the private party room with a hostess and meal package. The meal package includes hot dogs, fries, drinks, and cupcakes. The cost of the birthday pool party is $70 for one to ten kids with two adults. Birthday parties must be booked and paid at least ten days in advance by calling 859-288-2973, or visiting the Lexington Parks and Recreation office at 469 Parkway Drive.


Keep in mind that although most apartments and hotels in Lexington, Kentucky have in ground pools, you cannot swim in them without being a resident or guest. Most hotels and apartments will press charges against trespassers. Honestly, with all of the swimming options around town, there is no need to spoil your summer with a trip to jail.



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