| ||
|
 |
 Don't be fooled: June may be beautiful and balmy, with a few showers thrown in for good measure, but you know what's lurking around the corner. You don't need to consult the Old Farmer's Almanac to confirm your gut feeling that Washington's real summer weather will feature hotter-than-average temperatures and lower-than-normal rainfall. When those steaming, "it's-not-the-heat-it's-the-humidity" days inevitably hit, the backyard sprinkler just won't cut it. Your neighborhood pool, if you're lucky enough to belong to one, may offer a little relief, but sometimes you just want a change of pace. You need to get splashed, sprayed and submerged: in short, soaked to the bone! Fortunately, you have a lot of options. Americans love to get wet. According to the World Waterparks Association's most recent statistics, 68 million people visited some 900 to 1,000 water parks in the United States in 1999. While an increasing number of amusement parks are adding water parks – at about the same cost as constructing a roller coaster – municipalities also are changing the way people swim. "Redoing the old rectangular pool concept and maybe adding a water slide" is becoming common as jurisdictions look for ways to make swimming facilities more interesting to the public, says Dave Bruschi, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the World Waterparks Association, the trade association for park owners, operators and suppliers. Many municipal pools are turning into "mini-water parks," he says. "Each design, we get a little more sophisticated," says Montgomery County Aquatics Program Supervisor Douglas Fox, referring to the county's newly opened sixth outdoor pool. Glenmont Pool in Wheaton, which replaces the previous pool in the same location, includes such features as a twisting water slide, tumble buckets that pour water on delighted kids, a challenging water-crossing activity and lots of shade. "Before, you used to just jump in the pool and fry, jump in the pool and fry," Fox says. At Glenmont and other pools, giant umbrellas, even over the water, are becoming common sights. In keeping with national trends, Glenmont is designed to offer something for everyone, especially families. "We've got to look at 6-year-olds all the way through senior citizens when we build our pools," Fox says. Water rides and pool features are continuously evolving. Ten years ago, speed slides proved popular with teenagers, Bruschi says. Pools began adding zero-depth, or beach-entry, shallow children's areas, followed by family-friendly raft rides through gently moving currents. "The most popular attraction we have is our Lazy River, by far," says Doug Blount, general manager of the 11-acre Splash Down Waterpark in Manassas. People love to just lie back in the big inner tubes and float effortlessly around the pool, while daredevils a few feet away wind their way through huge, tubular slides. The latest high-tech feature showing up at water parks is an uphill water roller coaster, like the Master Blaster Water Coaster slated to open later this month at Planet Splash & Play in Chantilly. The ride uses water jets to propel thrill-seekers speedily up and down curves. Traditional pools remain in plentiful supply, however, with many in the D.C. area catering to lap swimmers and divers. Some locations offer combinations of lane pools for adult swimmers and activity pools for kids. The following list features water parks and indoor and outdoor pools catering to the general public. While most offer membership options or frequent-visit passes, all welcome drop-in swimmers. We've omitted membership-oriented facilities like health and fitness clubs, Jewish Community Centers and YMCAs, many of which have great pools for frequent swimmers. You also may want to call a local college or university, as many offer public swimming sessions for nominal fees. Think twice before filling a cooler with bottles of soda: Most water parks do not allow glass containers, or any outside foods and beverages, for that matter. They'd much rather sell you concession fare. If you must BYO, be prepared to leave the pool to dine in a nearby picnic area. And leave the noodles – the big foam kind, that is – at home. Water parks, and most other public pools, prohibit toys and floatation devices. Bringing the kids? Babies and toddlers must wear swim diapers or elastic pants to prevent accidents that can close down a pool. Most pools require that adults accompany children younger than age 10. Children – and grown-ups – must obey lifeguards, who are trained to keep the premises orderly and safe. Finally, note that the regular hours listed here, especially at indoor pools, are subject to change because of swim meets, training sessions, private parties and water-related classes. Outdoor pools also close at the threat of thunderstorms.
WATER PARKS Maryland CHESAPEAKE BEACH WATER PARK – 4079 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County. 410/257-1404. Web site: www.co.cal.md.us/cced/guide/waterpark.htm. This jazzed-up municipal pool boasts two huge water slides, the 174-foot Big Splash for inner tubes and the 154-foot enclosed Aqua Whiz. And that's not all: A 12-foot-long alligator and snake float in the activity pool, which also features an oversize crab and six slides, including a frog and clamshell. Float in a lazy river, exercise in two lap lanes or start a game of water volleyball. Open daily 11 to 8 through Aug. 28. Admission for Chesapeake Beach residents is $7.50 for those 42 inches and taller, $6.50 for seniors and those under 42 inches. County residents pay $8.50 and $6.50; and nonresidents pay $13.50, $11.50 (under 42 inches) and $11.40 (seniors). Ages 2 and younger are admitted free. Weekdays 4 to 8, admission is $5 for 42 inches and taller, $4 for under 42 inches. On Tuesdays, grandparents get in free with paid grandchild admission. GLENN DALE SPLASH PARK – 11901 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, Prince George's County. 301/352-8980. A children's pool for youngsters under 48 inches tall includes two kid-size slides, bubblers, fountains and a beach-style entry. The family pool includes a tube slide, floating lily pads and a log walk for crossing, a raining mushroom, a floating crab and crocodile and beach-style entry. Open noon to 8 Monday through Saturday, noon to 7 Sundays through Labor Day. Admission for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents is $5 for adults, $4 for kids. Nonresidents pay $1 additional. SIX FLAGS AMERICA – 13710 Central Ave., Largo, Prince George's County. 301/249-1500. Web site: www.sixflags.com/america. The closest theme park to Washington, Six Flags boasts the area's largest water park. The 25-acre Paradise Island Waterpark features a baker's dozen of wet attractions. Crocodile Cal's (as in Ripken's) Outback Beach House, a five-story structure with more than 150 water-powered activities, offers a barrel that dumps 1,000 gallons of the wet stuff on unsuspecting passersby every few minutes. Other highlights include a variety of big, twisting water slides and flumes; a pool with waves up to four feet high; an activity pool for wee tykes; and a lazy river. The park is open daily through Labor Day, except Aug. 27, 28 and 29. Hours vary, but Paradise Island closes at 8, or 6 when the main park closes at 6. The Paradise Island entry fee is included in Six Flags' general admission of $34.99 plus tax, $17.49 plus tax for children 48 inches and under, $25.99 for ages 62 and older and free for ages 3 and younger. Parking is $8. THE WATER PARK AT BOHRER PARK AT SUMMIT HALL FARM – 510 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Montgomery County. 301/258-6445. Web site: www.ci.gaithersburg.md.us. Special features at this city-operated, beach-style-entry pool include two twisting 250-foot water slides – the fast blue and slower white – for visitors 48 inches and taller, a raindrop umbrella and a stationary frog that spits water. A tot pool includes a frog slide, fountains and a water-spouting seal. The park also features a playground and miniature golf. Open 11 to 8 daily through Labor Day. Admission for Gaithersburg residents is $4 for adults ages 16 and older, $3 for ages 3 to 15 and seniors 55 and older and free for children 2 and younger. Nonresidents pay $6 and $4. Virginia GREAT WAVES AT CAMERON RUN REGIONAL PARK – 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. 703/960-0767. Web site: www.nvrpa.org/cameron.html. A 17,500-square-foot wave pool highlights this water park, which also features a water playground with floating animals, slides, rain jets and a waterfall over natural rock formations. A 40-foot-high water slide for visitors 48 inches and taller features three twisting body flumes. The park also boasts miniature golf, batting cages and fishing. Open weekdays 1 to 7 and weekends 11 to 7 through June 15; daily 11 to 7 June 16 through Aug. 10; weekends 11 to 7, weekdays to be announced Aug. 11 through Sept. 3. Daily admission is $10.50 for persons 48 inches and taller, $8.50 for persons under 48 inches and age 60 and over. Admission after 4 on weekdays is $5.75 and $4.75. Children younger than age 2 are admitted free at all times. Inner tube rental is $3.25, plus a refundable $2 deposit. PLANET SPLASH & PLAY – 4600 Brookfield Corporate Dr., Chantilly, Fairfax County. 703/378-6600. Web site: www.planetplay.com. Designed with an outer space theme, this new water park is slated to open in mid- to late-June. In addition to its unique water roller coaster/slide, the site includes splash pools, water toys, fountains, a lazy river and additional water slides. At press time, hours and admission prices were not available; call for updated information. The play center also features roller skating, go-kart racing and arcade games. SPLASH DOWN WATERPARK – Ben Lomond Park, 7500 Ben Lomond Dr., Manassas, Prince William County. 703/361-4451. Web site: www.splashdownwaterpark.com. This 11-acre park's activity-laden pool features tube rides around the 770-foot Lazy River, two 70-foot-tall water slides, two cannonball slides, a ship-shaped water slide, raindrops, bubblers, beach-style entry, a 25-meter lap pool, log and lily pad water crossings and a children's area with four water slides. Look for the new 8-by-16-foot floating hippo. Through June 15, open Thursdays and Fridays 2 to 6, Saturdays and Sundays 11 to 6. June 16 through Sept. 3, open Sunday through Thursday 11 to 7, Fridays and Saturdays 11 to 8 and July 4 and Labor Day 11 to 6. Admission is $12.25 for adults and children 48 inches and taller, $9.25 for children under 47 inches tall, and free for ages 2 and younger. Twilight admission is $6.25 after 4. Spectators pay $5.95. On July 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Aug. 3 and 10, the pool will stay open until 10 during 92.5 WINC-FM Hang Ten Night family parties. Each themed night features music, contests and other activities. Admission is $6 from 4 to 10 p.m. Prizes go to the first 100 children. THE WATER MINE FAMILY SWIMMIN' HOLE – Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston, Fairfax County. 703/471-5414. Web site: www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/watermine2.htm. Suppose an 1800s prospector named Pete discovered water rather than gold: That's the premise of the Western-themed Water Mine, a 2,700-square-foot pool aimed at the 10-and-younger crowd. Highlights include two double water slides, a 2.5-mph Rattlesnake River that winds through an "abandoned mine" and a beach-entry pool with smaller slides, floating critters, a cargo-net crossing and water volleyball. A Tenderfoot Pond offers bubblers and bitty slides for tots. Through June 19, open 3 to 8 weekdays except Wednesdays, 10 to 8 weekends. June 20 through Aug. 12, open Wednesdays 10 to 5, all other days 10 to 8. Aug. 13 through 26, open weekdays noon to 7 and weekends 10 to 7. Aug. 27 through Sept. 3, open weekdays 3 to 7, weekends and Labor Day 10 to 7. (June 20 through Aug. 8, the pool is open Wednesdays 5 to 8 for season pass holders only.) Admission – which includes unlimited rides on the Fairfax County park's carousel and pontoon tour boat – is $9.95 for visitors 48 inches and taller, $7.95 for those under 48 inches tall and free for children younger than age 2. Admission for all ages is $4.95 after 5. WATERWORKS – Andrew Leitch Park, 5301 Dale Blvd., Dale City. 703/680-7137. Web site: www.waterworkswaterpark.com/. A new two-level kiddy pool highlights this "aquatic playground," which also features two slides, climbing and crossing activities, bubblers, sprayers, fountains, raindrop umbrellas, beach-style entry and a 25-yard competition pool. Through June 16, open Monday through Wednesday and Fridays 3 to 7, Saturdays and Sundays 11 to 7; closed Thursdays. June 16 through Sept. 3, open Monday through Thursday 10 to 7, Fridays 10 to 9 and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 11 to 7. Admission is $5.50 for ages 2 to 59, $4.75 for ages 60 and older; free for age 1 and younger. After 4, admission is $3.75 for everyone. After June 16, admission after 4 on Tuesdays and Fridays will be $3. Picks of the Pools
Best Place to Get Thoroughly Soaked
Best Pool for Families With Small Children
Best Pool for Families With 'Tweens' and Teens
Best Beach Alternative
Best Bargain
Best Lap Pool
Biggest Outdoor Recreational Pool
Most Unusual Feature
Best Theme
Best Diving Pool
Best Shade
Best Slides
Best Pool for the Physically Challenged
Best Concessions
Best Grandparents' Outing
Best Cool-Off Spot for Tourists
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
© Copyright 2001 The Washington Post Company |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
