Donations let kids swim for free at 2 pools
Kids are able to swim free at two city pools thanks to local sponsors. On June 20, Mayor Doug Nicholls accepted two donations that allow the city to continue offering free swimming to kids at the Marcus and Kennedy pools.
“We’re really excited. For the second year in a row we have received a donation from the Rock Church,” Parks and Recreation Director Debbie Wendt said.
Pastor Paul Mondragon presented the mayor with a “big check” for $1,000.
“The Rock loves Yuma, we love our city, we love the communities around our church. And so for the second year, it’s our great honor to be able to participate. And Yuma for us, it’s our home, it’s where we make a living, it’s where we enjoy great weather and great people,” Mondragon said.
Donations from the church and sponsors have made it possible for 3,000 people to swim at Kennedy Pool in the first two weeks of June. “Of course, that’s a huge pool,” Wendt noted.
Melissa Short of the Yuma Rotary presented a “big check” of $2,500. “They have contributed for years and years for our free swim program over at Marcus,” Wendt said.
“We are very proud to continue supporting Marcus Pool and to continue donating to this. It’s a worthwhile cause, and we’re happy to participate,” Short said.
Marcus Pool has almost 400 kids that swim two days a week.
Kennedy Pool is located at 23rd Street and Kennedy Lane. The pool measures 50 meters by 65 feet and has a 212-foot slide and a separate 2,400-square-foot leisure pool.
According to the city’s website, open swim is typically available free from 1-3:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays June through July. Otherwise, the daily entrance fees are typically: youths ages 17 and under, $2.50 or $2 with City Resident Credit; adults 18 and over, $5 or $3.50 with City Resident Credit.
Aquatic programs such as water athletics, Aqua Zumba and swim lessons are also offered with varying fees.
Marcus Pool is located at 545 W. 5th Street. It measures 25 meters by 25 yards and has an 800-square-foot leisure pool. It also has shade structures, shaded picnic tables, lounge chairs, an aquatic chair lift, wading pool and stairway entrance.
Daily open swim entrance has historically been offered for free for all ages, thanks to the Yuma Rotary Club. Hours and days vary.
Water athletics, scuba, swim lessons and Aqua Zumba are also available.
For more information on the pools, look for the city’s Summer Activities Guide found at www. yumaaz.gov.