Topeka Pools, Aquatic Centers, and Adventure Cove with new floating playground open May 29

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Grand Reopening of the Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove is set for 1 p.m. May 26 at the cove. The reopening will unveil the new floating playground, the resumption of swimming at the Adventure Cove and multiple improvements to the cove area. The Adventure Cove opens May 29, matching the traditional Memorial Day weekend opening of Shawnee County Parks + Recreation pools and aquatic centers.

Speakers will include County Commissioners Kevin Cook and Aaron Mays and SCP+R Director Tim Laurent. After a ceremonial ribbon is cut to mark the reopening, college students will become the first to test out the new floating playground which includes an iceberg, a slide, a swing, a trampoline and obstacles on which patrons will climb while attempting to maintain their balance.

“Memorial Day weekend is going to be exciting for our community,” said Laurent. “Not only do our pools and aquatic centers open, but with our new floating playground at the Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove, we’re introducing a unique new form of entertainment that we’ve never had before in Shawnee County.”

The Adventure Cove opened in 2017 with themed paddle boats, the resumption of canoe and kayak rentals at the lake and the introduction of paddle board rentals. Swimming will once again be available as a new pump has been installed to circulate water in the cove and improve water quality.

Hours for the Adventure Cove are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

Admission for the floating playground is $8 per person per hour and includes swimming admission for the day. Admission for swimming only is $2. Playground sessions will begin each hour on the hour. A brief orientation is required, so patrons are asked to arrive one-half hour before they wish to use the playground. Life jackets are required and will be provided.

Paddle boat rentals will remain at $8 per person per hour. Individuals must be 16 years old to operate a boat without an adult on board. Those 16 and younger must wear a life jacket, which is provided. Adults must have a life jacket on board at all times.

In addition to the cove, all Shawnee County Parks + Recreation aquatic centers and pools were slated to open Memorial Day weekend on May 29. Aquatics information including a list of facilities, admission prices, swim lessons and rentals may be found online at parks.snco.us. SCP+R has three major aquatic centers and four community pools.

In addition to regular swimming hours, SCP+R offers an expanded array of aquatic fitness classes, Water Walking at Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center and lap swimming hours at Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center.

The popular pool punch-passes are once again available. The passes are a less expensive alternative to paying full admission at the gate.

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice

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