FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 14, 2015) -- Southern summers can be unforgiving, but Fort Rucker's Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation provides several opportunities to escape the heat and enjoy the day.
The SPLASH! Pool and Spray Park, located behind The Landing on Novosel Street, opens for holidays and weekends from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. starting May 16 and will provide a fun escape from the heat for Soldiers, their families and the general public.
"SPLASH! Pool and Spray Park is the perfect spot to escape the heat because of its large pool and activities that make getting wet even more fun," Amanda Orduno, aquatics manager said. "The spray park boasts many different water features kids can enjoy. The slides, diving board and rock wall are fun for all ages. If sun bathing is what you had in mind, SPLASH! can accommodate that, as well, with one of its many lounge chairs.
"SPLASH! features a large 250,000 gallon pool, double flume slides, a diving board, rock wall and spray park," she added. "SPLASH! offers party reservations after hours for all birthday and special event needs."
Opening alongside SPLASH! Saturday, Tiki Bay offers a tropical atmosphere where patrons can enjoy food and refreshments while listening to music or playing corn hole.
"Tiki Bar is a great addition to SPLASH! because it offers an array of options to please all ages," Orduno said. "You can satisfy your hunger or thirst and adults can sit back and relax by the pool while enjoying one of the many beverages the Tiki Bar serves."
According to Orduno, patrons should keep a few things in mind to ensure their time at SPLASH! is both safe and fun for everyone.
"If a child cannot swim or swim well, stay within arm's reach of them," she said. "If a child wears a lifejacket, ensure it is sized appropriately. And, as parents, set a safety standard for your children by abiding by all applicable rules and regulations, enforce them with your children, as well."
SPLASH! opens full-time May 29, six days a week from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. It will be closed Tuesdays.
Admission prices vary. Children age 2 and under are admitted free. Groups of 15-50 people receive a 15-percent discount. Season passes are available. For more information, visit www.ftruckermwr.com or call 255-9162.
Lake Fest takes place May 16 on Lake Tholocco's West Beach and is open to the public. Lake Tholocco opens for holidays and weekends May 23 and full time May 29.
According to Orduno, Lake Tholocco is another great escape from the heat that is open to the public.
"West Beach is a great getaway for families because it offers more than just swimming," she said. "West Beach features a large swimming area, kayaks, paddle boats, fishing, playgrounds and areas to grill out."
West Beach will be open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Tuesdays, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Orduno said a few simple rules guarantee the beach remains fun and safe for everyone.
"If the lifeguards are not on duty, swimming is not permitted," she said. "Swim only in the designated swim area. Flotation devices must be Coast Guard approved. No glass containers on the beach. No dogs allowed. During inclement weather, the water and beach must be cleared of all patrons. Umbrellas are not permitted at the water line due to decreased visibility of the lifeguards.
"Be sure to keep a safety conscious attitude and know your swimming abilities, as well as your child's," she added. "In open water, visibility is limited, so ensure that you are aware of dangers that might be present, including: wildlife, underwater hazards, changes in water conditions and currents, drop offs, and underwater foliage that could lead to entanglement."
Individuals with military affiliation, DOD employees and contractors also have access to two additional pools.
Flynn Pool, Bldg. 9222 on Park Drive, is open June 1 through Aug. 2 for authorized personnel. It features an outdoor, 10-lane, 50-meter pool and diving board.
The Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center, Bldg. 4605 on Andrews Avenue, offers an indoor pool for authorized personnel. It features an eight-lane, 25-meter pool with a 12-foot deep end, 3-foot shallow end and diving board. It is open for military group physical training, individual training, lap swimming, adult and youth swim lessons, lifeguard training and recreational swimming from the fall through the spring.
Allen Heights, Munson Heights and Bowden Terrace residents will have options to keep cool closer to home this summer.
"Pool season begins with our grand opening May 23 at all locations," Melissa Bryson, senior community manager, said. "Each pool has a beach-style entrance, so children of all ages can enter the pool without getting too deep. They also have a large helicopter-style water feature at the entrance for enhanced play for kids of all ages. Each pool is equipped with swimming lanes for patrons wishing to use the pool for exercise purposes."
Bowden Terrace pool hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. The Bowden Terrace pool is closed Wednesdays.
The Munson Heights and Allen Heights pool hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. The Munson Heights pool is closed Tuesdays and the Allen Heights pool is closed Thursdays.
According to Bryson, pools are open only to Corvias residents, but residents are permitted to bring two guests to the pool.
Bryson said residents should abide by the rules in place while enjoying time poolside to ensure everyone remains safe.
"Adults may supervise up to four children," she said. "(Youth) ages 14 and up may swim without adult supervision. Pool rules are posted at the pool entry and can be obtained from each community office. Wear sunscreen and have fun."
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