Jefferson City pools open for season next week

A pool sails through the air off the lip of a water slide before plunging into the deep end of the pool in June 2015 while enjoying an afternoon at Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center. Elis-Porter Riverside Pool and Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center opens next week.
A pool sails through the air off the lip of a water slide before plunging into the deep end of the pool in June 2015 while enjoying an afternoon at Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center. Elis-Porter Riverside Pool and Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center opens next week.

Summer is just around the corner, and Jefferson City pools have exciting news for pool-goers this season.

Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool will open early and remain open much later this summer, as it is ready for swimmers Monday and will not close until Labor Day, Sept. 4.

Beginning Tuesday, the Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center Season will run through Aug. 13.

After Ellis-Porter's full renovation last year, including the addition of a zero-depth entry, a diving board and a higher climbing wall, one would expect there would be no new attractions this year.

However, Ellis-Porter has two new attractions in store, said Phil Stiles, recreation facilities and special services division director.

"We are going to have two floatable pieces this year - I believe a lobster and a hippo - for children to climb around on," Stiles said.

The new pieces are located in the 3- to 5-foot range of the pool.

In addition to swimming lessons offered throughout the season, several special events are scheduled for the summer. A Little Mermaid Pool Party will be 6:30-8 p.m. June 16 at Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool, and a Superhero Pool Party is scheduled 6:30-8 p.m. July 21, also at Ellis-Porter. Both events cost $10 per child. Reservations are required and can be made online.

For Father's Day, June 18, fathers can swim free with the purchase of one youth admission, Stiles said.

Ellis-Porter has added a new event, a Dive-In Movie, scheduled for Aug. 12. The event will feature the movie "Finding Dory." That evening, the pool will be open 8-10:30 p.m., for $5 per person.

The last event of the year will be the annual Hot Dippity Dog Swim from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 13 at Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center. The cost is $4 per dog.

Cost for both pools is $4 for youth ages 17 and under ($3 after 5 p.m.), and $5 for adults ($3.50 after 5 p.m.). Ten-punch passes are also available at $32 for youth, $40 for adults and $36 for combo pass (five youth and five adult punches).

Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center is open noon-7 p.m. daily. Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool is open noon-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, visit www.jeffersoncitymo.gov/facilities_and_rentals/swimming_pools/index.php.