It’s summertime, and as is always the case in the lovely desert of Utah, it’s a hot one. Finding ways to get outside to touch some grass and breathe some fresh air while still staying comfortable, is a crucial part of staying happy and healthy. So where can you go to beat the heat with some refreshing water? Here’s a list of some of the local aquatic getaways to help you enjoy the outside without cursing the sun the entire time.
The Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park located at 1321 Canyon Rd. in Spanish Fork is a popular destination in South Utah County for good reason. This popular park boasts a large variety of play equipment for all ages and mobility levels with ample parking and lots of seating options. With a large splash pad at the center and excellent public restroom amenities, this is a great spot to beat the heat and enjoy the outside. Hours are dawn until dusk.
Also in Spanish Fork, just down the road from Costco at 1185 N. 400 East is North Park. This cozy park offers several play areas as well as open fields to play group games like soccer. There is also a large splash pad that guarantees a cool, refreshing break from the heat. This park is open from dawn until dusk.
Located just between the Springville Civic Center and the Fire Station is a winding river with several spraying features. This fun little splash pad is a hidden gem for families looking to get away from the blistering heat. With the whimsical statued friends that Art City is famous for, scattered about the water features, this place seems like a magical wonderland. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem at 50 S. Main Street in Springville.
At 729 Sunset Drive in Santaquin is a lovely escape from the summer heat. This cute local splash pad is also surrounded by ample places to relax and play. Give this little place a chance. You won’t be disappointed.
The Clyde Recreation Center has a great swimming pool for those who want to dive head first into beating the heat. Located at 717 S. 1200 West in Springville Utah, it boasts several different sections with amenities from lap swimming and water polo areas, to spots tailored more to children with slides and buckets. This recreation center also offers swimming lessons for all ages and experience levels, as well as aquatic fitness classes. This is a great place to beat the heat.
If you’re looking for a family friendly oasis from the summer heat, look no further than the Payson Community Pool. This kid’s paradise is a great public pool with numerous water features sure to entertain your little ones. They also offer swimming lessons and have their own swim team. You can even rent it out for private events! The pool is located at 655 South Main Street in Payson. Visit links.servedaily.com/payson-pool for additional information including public swim hours and how to reserve this fun waterpark for private events.
The Nephi Swimming Pool is a little slice of aquatic heaven when the heat is oppressive but you still want some fresh air. Located at 70 E. 600 North, this swimming pool has everything a good swimming hole needs including slides and water features. The pool also offers swimming lessons and has its own swim team. For more information on this great local facility, visit links.servedaily.com/nephi-pool.
To close out, my inner lifeguard demands I slip in a little tidbit about aquatic safety. It is important to stay hydrated because when you’re spending time in water, you don’t always notice the sweat and heat that often prompts us to get a cold drink. Make sure you’re using SPF 50+ sunscreen if possible and re-applying hourly to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays from the sun.
Finally, if you visit rivers and creeks, make sure that you watch your little ones closely, swim with others, and have life preservers or life jackets readily available if not on at all times. Thanks to a generous snow pack left to us this winter, the creeks and rivers are running faster and colder than usual. It’s easy to underestimate how powerful the water is while standing on the bank, even for experienced swimmers. Stay safe out there, and have a fantastic summer!