JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Joint Base Lewis-McChord offers several free ways to escape the heat this summer. With an outdoor pool, two indoor pools, a splash park and a beach, JBLM families can cool off without having to travel far.
The JBLM pools offer a variety of programs including lessons, aerobics, fitness training as well as recreational swimming. The McChord Outdoor Pool located on Fifth Street on McChord Field is open only during the summer months. The pool offers recreational swimming seven days a week.
Kimbro Pool in McVeigh Sports and Fitness Center remains closed for renovations until September, but there are two other indoor pools that offer programs.
More than 300 people take advantage daily of the Soldiers Field House indoor pool on 2nd Division Drive, Lewis Main during this time of the year, pool manager Jenelee Horton said. Swim lessons are in high demand, but the pool also offers recreational swimming time seven days a week.
Keeler Pool is located on Garfield Street, Lewis Main, and is the site for the majority of military training, but also offers lap swimming time during the week. Keeler Pool is closed during the weekends and holidays.
Horton said many people are unaware of the swimming area, albeit with colder lake water, located at Shoreline Beach on Lewis North. The JBLM Triple Threat Triathlon Series takes place in the swimming area of American Lake three times during the summer, but the area is open to the public from noon to 7:30 p.m. daily. The man-made beach includes an outdoor volleyball net.
The splash park next to the AFC Arena on Lewis Main is a popular choice for children for a quick cool off. Jessica Larson, an Army spouse, brings her three children to the splash park every other week.
"My older one really loves it," Larson said of 8-year-old Connor. "It's a little too cold for my younger two."
The fountains, splash toys and soft ground cover are suitable for even younger children. The splash park is open daily during the summer from 9:30 a.m. until dusk. The area includes a covered picnic area and a playground.
When Kimbro Pool reopens in September, the family-friendly pool will include a water slide, a zero-depth kids pool and an indoor splash park.
For a complete pool schedule visit www.jblmmwr.com/pools.html. All of the installation's water recreation facilities are free.
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