Pools, fountains, spray grounds to open Memorial Day Weekend
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Water-related activities will be available for local residents starting on Memorial Day Weekend.
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department will be opening various spray grounds, fountains, and pools starting Saturday, May 25.
Fountains
Downtown Colorado Springs is home to two fountains, the Julie Penrose Fountain in America the Beautiful Park and Uncle Wilber in Acacia Park. Both fountains will open on Saturday, May 25.
Julie Penrose Fountain will open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. while Uncle Wilber will open from noon to 6 p.m. daily. Both fountains are free of charge.
Those who are looking to relax after taking a splash can also visit the improved Acacia Playground next to the Uncle Wilbur Fountain. The playground now offers a Ninja Warrior-like climbing structure and a tot lot with a slide, spinner, and climbing feature.
Spray Grounds
Three spray grounds will be set to open within a week of Memorial Day Weekend.
The Watering Hole at Venezia Park, located at the John Venezia Community Park will open on Saturday, May 25 with operating hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park also offers an accessible playground, sports fields, courts, and trails.
Watering Hole attendees can expect short, periodic shut-downs throughout the day for maintenance purposes.
The Splash Pad at Panorama Park will also open on Saturday, May 25 with daily operating hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m . Panorama Park also offers a playground, an event lawn, a bike park, a youth area with skate features, a climbing boulder, a fitness station and more.
The Deerfield Hills Spray ground will be the last to open on Saturday, June 1. Its operating hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every other day. The spray ground has over 50 individual spray nozzles and 16 water spray features. Deerfield Park also has sports courts, fields, and a playground.
All spray grounds are free to the public.
Outdoor Pools
Monument Valley and Wilson Ranch pools, located in central and western Colorado Springs, will open on Saturday, May 25, weather permitting.
Both pools are operated through a partnership between the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region and the city, therefore they are open to members of the public who purchase a day pass and also to YMCA members. Before individuals head to the pool, they are encouraged to look over the pool status, the hours, and the costs.
Portal Pool and Memorial Park Family Center YMCA are closed until further notice due to concerns about the structural integrity of the facilities.
All pools and fountains may close for the day if temperatures are not expected to reach above 65 degrees for the day. Facilities may also close due to inclement weather and lightning events. Services will resume when hot temperatures return and weather permits.
Lakes
Prospect Lake and Quail Lake are all open for year-round recreation.
Prospect Lake in Memorial Park located in central Colorado Springs has designated swimming days in the roped-off area in front of the Beach House on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There are no lifeguards and individuals who decide to swim are doing so at their own risk.
Memorial Park also offers fishing, and paddle boarding and allows motorized use. Paddleboards can be rented through 5280 Paddle Sports. There is also a paved trail around the lake, a lakeside fitness station, two playgrounds (one of which is universally accessible), several sports fields, courts, and a skate park. The Sertich Ice Center also located there offers affordable ice-skating opportunities year-round.
Swimming is not permitted on Quail Lake. However, visitors can enjoy a 1-mile fitness trail around the lake, picnic tables, a playground, and sports courts.
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