Splash time: Public swimming pools to reopen for summer

MOSES LAKE — People will get back in the pool this summer, although operations will be different in some cities at the start of the season.

The Surf ‘n Slide Water Park at 401 W. Fourth Ave. in Moses Lake will open for Memorial Day weekend, from 11 a.m to 6:30 p.m. Saturday through Monday. It will open for daily operation on June 17, when Moses Lake School District classes are dismissed for the summer.

Operations have been modified to fit the requirements of Phase 3 of Washington’s reopening plan, imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Phase 3, Surf ‘n Slide attendance is limited to 1,000 people per day and people must follow social distancing rules while they are indoors, including the lobby and bathrooms. Masks can be removed outdoors as long as people follow social distancing rules on the pool deck and in the park.

Advance reservations are recommended and can be made on the pool webpage, https://www.cityofml.com/394/Surf-n-Slide-Water-Park, under the “admission fee” tab. Online reservations get price reductions. Daily admission is $16 for ages 5 to 17 at the gate and $14 online. The daily in-person fee for adults is $17 at the gate and $15 online.

The Splash Zone at 780 A St. SE in Ephrata will open June 14. Traci Bennett, the city’s director of community services, said pool operators won’t require advance registration. A limit may be placed on admission if it looks like the pool is getting too close to capacity, she said. Splash Zone hours will be 12-6 p.m. daily.

People will be asked to wear masks when entering and using the bathroom. Social distancing will be encouraged once people are on the grounds, but masks will not be required.

Splash Zone daily admission will be $10 for ages 6 to 17 and $11.50 for adults.

Opening day at the Quincy Aquatic Center at 724 F St. SE tentatively is scheduled for June 18. Advance registration is required, and reservations can be made on the city’s website under the “aquatic center” tab.

Daily admission is $4 for all ages. General swim sessions will be 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Othello Community Swimming Pool (325 N. 12th Ave., Othello) operators have not announced an opening date.