Pocatello Times

One of Pocatello’s popular places to cool off during the summer months opens this weekend. The Ross Park Aquatic Complex will kick off its 2023 season Saturday, May 27, at noon (weather permitting).  

Ross Park will be running a modified schedule a few days after Memorial Day due to area schools not being out and graduations being held. The pool will open for the Memorial Day weekend, then close Tuesday, May 30 through June 1. The complex will reopen Friday, June 2 and remain open through Sunday, August 20, when the pool will close for the season. 

The facility will offer two Sensory-Friendly Family Swim Days. Sensory-Friendly Family Swim Days will be held June 24 and July 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. These morning swim sessions will be quieter and more relaxed for those with special needs. 

“We are once again excited to offer these special swimming hours for our friends with special needs or sensory processing difficulties,” said Stacie VanKirk, Ross Park Aquatic Complex Manager. “We are hoping to get the word out to more and more agencies that this is a great time to not only bring individuals with disabilities but also residential homes or group homes.”

Monday, June 5, sees the return of the popular Lazy River Resistance Walking. Sessions will be held Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Meanwhile, two Splash Dances for youth ages 12 to 17 are on the schedule for June 29 and July 27. The dances will run from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and feature a D.J., music, and more. The concession stand will also be open for participants to buy snacks and beverages. 

The Ross Park Aquatic Complex features a 25-yard by 25-meter main pool, an activity pool, and a zero-depth pool with a playground. For those wanting to stay out of the water, there is an open deck and grassy areas to sit and relax. The facility’s concession area is operated by the Ross Park Drive Inn, offering some of their famous taco spaghetti, burgers, tacos, and more for purchase. 

For more information on the Ross Park Aquatic Complex, visit pocatello.gov/331/Ross-Park-Aquatic-Complex or like their Facebook page at facebook.com/RossParkAquaticComplex. 

Drone photo courtesy: Drone Perspective Services LLC

The Ross Park Aquatic Complex is accessible to persons with disabilities. Program access accommodations may be provided with three (3) days advance notice by contacting Skyler Beebe at sbeebe@pocatello.gov, 208.234.6248, or 5815 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.

Original source can be found here.