The Madison area offers some of the best summertime activities in the state — from reliable festivals, big-name concerts and professional sporting events to a variety of public parks and recreational opportunities for people and their dogs.
Among those outdoor opportunities are several large public aquatic centers located strategically throughout Dane County. In addition to safe environments for water play and recreation for both children and adults, such facilities also offer vital learn-to-swim programs. Drowning is the second-leading cause of death among children ages 5 to 14, and there are more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths every year in the United States. Swimming lessons can go a long way toward helping improve those statistics.
Here are five facilities worth making a splash at this summer (and most of them open by mid-June):
325 W. Olin Ave., Madison
Madison’s first municipal swimming pool opened in 2006 and was funded by a $2.8 million donation from philanthropists Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman. Amenities include competition and recreational pools, as well as diving boards, two waterslides, a zero-depth entry area, play fountains and a summer swim team.
920 Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie
This facility opened in 1992, and work crews have been busy with a major renovation project that includes an updated bathhouse and a new aquatic play structure. Other enhancements include an aqua climbing wall and zipline, sunning areas, improved shade and seating areas, an updated concessions stand and more. The new and improved FAC, which also hosts a summer swim team, is expected to open July 9.
2400 Park Lawn Place, Middleton
Formerly known as the Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center, this facility includes a zero-depth pool entrance, a competition pool, a diving well, a pair of waterslides, interactive water play equipment, a sand playground, a concessions area and a summer swim team.
1013 Nichols Road, Monona
This facility, located in the city’s Winnequah Park, boasts an eight-lane/25-meter lap-swimming area, a deep end with two diving boards, a waterslide, a shallow area and a separate wading pool. It also is home to a summer swim team.
204 Park St., Mount Horeb
A 35-meter pool, a zero-depth-entry pool, a waterslide, a diving board, a concessions stand and grassy deck area highlight this facility — which is located in a pretty residential neighborhood.
Many other municipalities throughout Dane County also operate their own pools and offer summer learn-to-swim programs. Check your local community’s official website to learn about the offerings in your area.
Image by Murilo Viviani on Unsplash