A great summer deal: Cool off at these pools with unique amenities
It may be the best deal in South Florida this summer: Public pools where cooling off is free or costs just a few dollars.
Almost every city has its own swimming pool, designed for residents to exercise and socialize. Beyond teaching breaststroke and water safety, though, several pools have unique offerings that allow South Floridians to experience a diverse assortment of water activities, including diving lessons and arthritis relief classes.
These pool programs are not limited to residents of a particular city or county, though nonresidents may pay a bit extra. We’ve also included some pricier options in case you want to splurge on a party or a day at the water park.
In our current bout of steamy weather, a swimming session is an enticing way to lower the temperature.
BROWARD COUNTY
Learn water exercises to ease arthritis in Davie
Work out without putting strain on your joints and muscles during this water exercise class targeted to people with arthritis. The classes, taught by an Arthritis Foundation certified instructor, are designed for participants to gain strength and flexibility, whether they are beginners, experienced or immediately post-surgery.
WHERE: Davie Pine Island Aquatic Center, 3800 SW 92nd Ave.
COST: New clients must attend an introductory clinic for $15. After that, a single class is $12; a package of four goes for $38.
INFORMATION: Nancy Olson Water Fitness at 954-383-1132; davie-fl.gov/259/Aquatic-Programs
Learn to dive in Plantation
Have you always wanted to plunge headfirst into the water (gracefully)? Coaches Paul Breitfeller and Jennifer Floyd have been teaching diving in Plantation for more than 30 years.
WHEN: Classes typically run from April through September on Tuesdays and Thursdays; the pool has been closed for repairs, however, and is scheduled to reopen July 1, with classes resuming July 2
WHERE: Plantation Aquatic Complex, 9151 NW Second St.
COST: $80 for four lessons, plus $5 registration fee
INFORMATION: Jennifer Floyd at 954-899-8717; plantation.org/government/departments/parks-recreation/aquatics
Rent the pool in Deerfield Beach
The Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center has an Olympic-sized pool with eight lanes. Party rentals include two, 8-foot rectangular tables, eight to 10 chairs, and space in the shade.
WHEN: Parties can be held in three-hour blocks from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
WHERE: Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center, 501 SE Sixth Ave.
COST: Parties are $125 if you live in the city ($50 for an additional hour) and $250 for nonresidents ($75 for an additional hour). A $50 refundable trash deposit is required. Fee includes admission for 20 people.
INFORMATION: 954-420-2263; deerfield-beach.com/66/Aquatics-Center
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Spend the day lazing on the river
Coconut Cove Waterpark reopened for the summer on June 1, and that includes its beloved 986-foot River Ride, which offers a relaxing drift in colorful inner tubes. There’s also a lily-pad walk along the water and two, four-story high water slides. You can let the kids play all day as you relax in the shade among the many chaise lounges.
WHERE: Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park, 20130 Regional Park Drive, Boca Raton
COST: $16 for adults; $12 for guests age 3-11, seniors (65+) and military; $7 for age 1-2; free for younger than 1. After 3 p.m., cost is $2 for adults and kids.
INFORMATION: 561-629-8840; coconutcove-waterpark.com/waterpark-info
Get a lift into the pool in Boca Raton
Meadows Park Pool in Boca Raton has a PAL (Portable Aquatic Lift) for those who have difficulty using the stairs to get into and out of the water. The mechanical chair can hold 300 pounds and meets Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
WHERE: Meadows Park Pool, 1300 NW Eighth St., Boca Raton
COST: Daily rate of $4 for residents, $8 for nonresidents. Children pay $2 as residents, $4 as nonresidents
INFORMATION: 561-393-7851; myboca.us/672/Meadows-Park-Pool