Playgrounds and pools abound in Marion County
Summer is here. Children are out of school and looking for something to do. Numerous outdoor activities are available for children and families to enjoy.
Swimming pools
Swimming pools are popular hangouts for young and old.
The new Hillsboro Family Aquatic Park opened on Memorial Day. The new facility offers a slide and wave pool.
Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Fees are $3 for adults, $2 for children and senior citizens. During happy hour, from 6 to 7 p.m. daily, admission is $1 per person.
An aerobics class is offered three days a week and the pool is open from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. daily for lap swimming.
Parents should note that children younger than eight years old must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.
Call (620) 947-3750 for information about lessons and swim team.
This will be the last year that Marion Swimming Pool will be in operation. Pool hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $2 for adults, and $1.50 for children. A single pass is $35 and a family pass is $70. Call (620) 382-2150 for information about lessons and swim team.
The 50-year-old pool will be removed this fall to make room for a new indoor pool. The pool will be owned by USD #408 and operated by the City of Marion.
Peabody Swimming Pool opened Saturday and is open daily from 1 to 6 p.m. Admission is $2, 17 and older, and $1.50, 16 and younger. Family passes are $80 for family of four and $10 for each additional family member, adult passes are $55, and youth passes are $40.
Peabody-Burns Recreation Commission will sponsor family swims from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 23, July 14, and July 28. Families can swim together free of charge. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Free swim days for residents within USD #398 will be Thursday and July 25. Adult aerobics are offered from 6 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. now through Aug. 31. The cost is $1.25 per session.
Call the pool at (620) 983-2801 for information about swim team and lessons.
Florence City Swimming Pool is located at 720 Barker, Florence, and is open from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Admission is $2 for adults and $1.50 for children, 13 and younger. Summer passes are $25 for youth, $30 adult, and $60 family.
For more information, call the pool at (620) 878-4400.
Parks
Memorial Park, located near Marion County Fairgrounds, Hillsboro, has a variety of equipment. A shelter house is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A basketball court and additional playground equipment can be found at Hillsboro Elementary School, 812 E. A.
Historic Central Park of Marion offers a playground for children of all ages.
A basketball court, sand volleyball pit, and nature trail also are available located in the shaded downtown park. A shelter house and gazebo can be reserved through the city office or on a first-come, first-served basis.
East Park is located at Thorp and Lawrence, Marion with a rollerblade skate park and tennis courts.
Playground equipment also is available at Marion Elementary School, across the street from East Park, at 1400 E. Lawrence.
Peabody City Park is the location for the community's annual Fourth of July celebration. It also has playground equipment and shelter houses.
A batting cage is open from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, now through July 14. A Peabody-Burns REC member will operate the pitching machine for anyone ages 8 to 19.
Three parks at Florence have playground equipment — Veterans' Park, on Main Street; Grandview Park on Grandview Street, and Unity Park at Sixth and Marion streets. Also available at Unity Park are tennis and basketball courts.
