Stay cool, Tuscaloosa: PARA set to open public pools, splash pad

Jasmine Hollie, Tuscaloosa News
·2 min read

The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority has the solution for people of all ages who want to cool off as late spring turns into summer.

The Nancie Blewitt Swim Complex in Bowers Park, the Harrison Taylor Splash Pad within Palmore Park and the Freeman pool within Freeman Park, will officially open May 25 for the 2024 summer season.

More: What's there to do this summer in Tuscaloosa? Camps offer activities for kids

"Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority is thrilled to welcome everyone back to our outdoor pools and splash pads for a summer filled with fun and laughter," said Heather Shipley,  the public relations and marketing manager for PARA. "

"As temperatures rise, we invite families and individuals to join us for a refreshing escape and create cherished memories in our family-friendly aquatic facilities. We can't wait to make a splash together this summer," she said.

Grayson Hardin plays in the water at the Harrison Taylor Splash Pad in Palmore Park in Tuscaloosa Thursday, June 4, 2020. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
Grayson Hardin plays in the water at the Harrison Taylor Splash Pad in Palmore Park in Tuscaloosa Thursday, June 4, 2020. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]

The Bowers Park pool, PARA's largest outdoor pool, will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The pool at 2101 Bowers Park Drive features a rock wall and a 26-foot “super splasher” slides that were installed in 2016. Young ones will see the return of the smaller Frog Slide on the kiddie pool, and everyone will benefit from the new shade canopies that have been going up in recent days.

The Harrison Taylor Splash Pad at Palmore Park, 3701 Fosters Ferry Road, will be open from noon until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Alice Deters walks backwardsin the pool as X'zayveier Horner, 4, swims towards her as he uses a noodle to stay afloat at Freeman Pool in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday, June 27, 2017.
Alice Deters walks backwardsin the pool as X'zayveier Horner, 4, swims towards her as he uses a noodle to stay afloat at Freeman Pool in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday, June 27, 2017.

The Freeman Pool will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Thursday for Swim to the Top program members, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday for groups only swim and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for open swim. The pool will be closed on Friday and Sunday.

PARA will host swimming lessons for beginner and intermediate swimmers throughout the summer.

PARA will also host lifeguard training courses taught by certified American Red Cross instructors.

For more information, go to https://www.tcpara.org/programs/aquatics-pools.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Stay cool, Tuscaloosa: PARA set to open public pools, splash pad