It’s still too cold to swim in the river. Visit Tri-Cities pools, splash pads instead
Between Memorial Day Weekend and the early days in June, the vast majority of aquatic attractions open for the season.
With the confluence of multiple rivers in Tri-Cities, many people automatically think of heading to the river when they want a day in the water.
But at this time of year, water in rivers and lakes is often far too cold for water recreation, especially swimming or any activities with full immersion.
As we transition from spring to summer, man-made water recreation is a safer option. Thankfully, we have several options in the Tri-Cities.
Here’s a list of the public pools in Tri-Cities, when they open and their standard hours of operation. These options do not require memberships of any kind, though some have small entry fees.
Public pools in Tri-Cities
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The wading pool at Howard Amon Park in Richland opened over Memorial Day weekend and is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Howard Amon Park offers recreation options for all ages, but parents should still watch their young ones in the wade pool, as there is no lifeguard.
The George Prout Pool in Richland opens June 15. A popular option, the pool offers open swims, lap swims, lessons and the ability to rent for a private pool party. There is a yard pool that gradually deepens and a wading pool for kids.
During open swim, children ages 3 to 7 can get in for $1.25, youth ages 8 to 17 for $2.50, and adults 18 and up for $3.50. Lap swimming is available in designated lanes from Monday to Saturday, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at $1.25 per swim. Children under 8 must always be accompanied by an adult.
The Kenneth E. Serier Memorial Pool in Kennewick opens June 14 and features multiple pools and a climbing wall. Open swims are held Monday through Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Youth and seniors can get in for $2, adults for $2.50. Lap swims are available at the same prices from noon to 1 p.m, Mondays through Saturdays.
The Memorial Aquatic Park in Pasco was open over Memorial Day weekend, and will reopen for normal operation June 9. The pool offers open swims, lap swimming, lessons and special events, with a full schedule available online.
Lap swims for adults are scheduled Mondays and Fridays between June 19 and August 25, from noon to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Each session is available for $4 entry. Open swim prices vary by session.
Splash pads in Tri-Cities
The Badger Mountain Splash and Play area in Richland opened over Memorial Day weekend and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting.
The Columbia Park Splash Pad in Kennewick opened early in May. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting.
The Southridge Sports and Events Complex also opened in May and will be open through Labor Day, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
The Grange Park Splash Pad in Kennewick also opened in early May. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting.
The Underwood Park Splash Pad in Kennewick also opened in May and will be open through Labor Day, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
There is also a splash pad at the Pasco Sporting Complex. While hours of operation vary at the complex, the splash pad is available for use when the complex is open.