With recent high temperatures in the low 80s in late June, it would be wise to remember warmer weather will be settling into Jefferson County come July and August.
Rather than staying cooped up inside for air conditioning, many will be turning to local pools for relief from the heat.
Public swimming pools and splash pads offer Jefferson County families a chance to both cool off and spend time with their friends and neighbors.
“It’s good for the community just in general to have another meeting place, a place that people can go, especially in the summer,” said Doc Carranza, pool president of Crystal City’s park board. “A lot of people these days don’t have their own pools, or they live in apartments and so it gives them, of course, another place to go.”
Unlike private setups, public pools bring the community together into a single shared space.
Pam Meese, facility manager for Crystal City Pool, said that close-knit space allows for more social experience than people can get at home.
“You can only get so many friends and family in your own pool or in your own neighborhood,” Meese said. “When we all come together as a community and can share some time by the pool side, that’s never a bad thing.”
Because many of Jefferson County’s public pools operate seasonally, they tend to become a recurring summer activity for families over the years.
Meese said she’s been coming to her pool since the 1970s and sees residents her age and older return year after year with their children and grandchildren.
Aside from pools, Jefferson County is home to several public splash pads, giving children a chance to beat the heat at no cost. Amanda Rogers of Festus brings her 4-year-old grandson to Kade’s Playground Splash Pad regularly in the warmer months.
“It’s easy for parents and grandparents to bring people out here and also, it’s just laid-back fun,” Rogers said. “It’s not real structured. They get to go out and use their imagination. It’s important at this age.”
Rogers also noted that the environment naturally encourages her grandson to interact with other kids.
“He makes friends wherever he goes,” Rogers said about her grandson. “It’s good for kids to just have a social environment to interact with kids of different ages.”
To help escape the sweltering heat and have some fun with family, friends or loved ones, Leader Publications has put together a full list of the public-access pools and free splash pads in the county.
Public pools
Arnold Recreation Center
- Where: 1695 Missouri State Road, Arnold
- What’s offered: A large municipal hub with a large indoor pool complex and seasonal outdoor space. It includes a lazy river, water slides, lanes and a dedicated play space for kids.
- Hours: General access is 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
- Cost: Admission is free for members. Non-member daily passes are $6 for those ages 5-54, $5 for seniors 55-plus and free for kids 4 and under.
- Phone: 636-282-2380
Crystal City Municipal Park and Pool
- Where: 1511 Park Ave., Crystal City
- What’s offered: A traditional outdoor pool with open swim sessions, lanes and shaded areas.
- Hours: General access is from noon to 6 p.m. daily; adult swim is 10-11:50 a.m. Monday-Friday.
- Cost: General access is $8 for those 12-64, free for seniors 65-plus, $6 for kids 3-11, free for kids 2 and under, all prices half off after 4 p.m. every day; adult swim $5 for those ages 18-64, free for seniors 65-plus
- Phone: 636-937-4614
Jefferson County YMCA
- Where: 1303 YMCA Drive, Festus
- What’s offered: Indoor, temperature-controlled pool, saunas and steam rooms.
- Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sunday.
- Cost: Seven-day free passes are available, after that, a membership is required.
- Phone: 636-931-9622
Public splash pads
De Soto Park Complex
- Where: 800 Vineland School Road, De Soto
- What’s offered: A nature-inspired splash pad with rocks that mimic a stream.
- Hours: Daily from morning until dusk
Kade’s Playground
- Where: 776 Joachim Ave., Herculaneum
- What’s offered: Ship-themed pad with soft rubber ground cover, play area.
- Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Turtle Cove at Lucas Field
- Where: 2200 Sunshine Drive, Festus
- What’s offered: Turtle-themed splash pad with large dump bucket, geysers, shaded seating area.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.