Pools Open Memorial Day Weekend in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Pools will be opening over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in Alexandria.

The weather forecast is calling for sunny skies Saturday with a high of 84 degrees; on Sunday, skies will be partly sunny with highs will again be in the 80s and on Monday highs are expected to be in the 70s, according to the National Weather Service.

Also read: 39th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival Monday, May 30 in Alexandria

At Great Waves Waterpark, located at 4001 Eisenhower Ave., the pool will open for the season this weekend, Saturday, May 28. Hours from Saturday to Monday for the holiday weekend will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here's a look at the hours for the rest of the season, after the holiday weekend:

• May 31 – June 21: Closed except Fridays, when it will be open from 1-7 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 22: 12 noon to 7 p.m.
• June 23-Sept. 5: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends
• July 4 holiday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Find information on admission fees to Great Waves here on their Web site.

City pools will also open Saturday and Mayor Allison Silberberg and Advocates for Alexandria Aquatics will be on hand at noon at the Old Town Pool, 1609 Cameron St., to officially kick off the summer swimming season.

“This event will officially launch Alexandria’s summer outdoor swim season at Old Town Pool. Every summer thousands of Alexandrians enjoy the cool water and open spaces of Old Town Pool, and 2016 will be the best summer yet,” said Bill Rivers, chairman of the Board for Advocates for Alexandria Aquatics.

Old Town Pool includes a 25-yard pool with a diving well. A separate training pool is available for children up to 42 inches in height. Easily accessible for disabled, the training pool has a water depth range of 1-3 feet. For added convenience, a parking lot, picnic area and a tot playground are adjacent to the pool.

With its range of accessible facilities, the Old Town Pool facility hosts kids of all ages, recreational swimmers, Masters’ swim teams, birthday parties and family events in a safe and fun manner.

“With construction about to begin to renovate the public pool at Warwick Village and the City Council’s recent vote to approve $4.5 million for the new 50-meter pool at Chinquapin Recreation Center, the passion for aquatics has never been stronger in Alexandria,” said Rivers. “The summer of 2016 will be a wonderful time to enjoy Old Town Pool, located in the heart of our great community.”

Here's more information about the City of Alexandria's public pools:

Memorial Pool, Charles Houston Recreation Center - 901 Wythe St. This small pool with a beach entry and spray features is ideal for families with young children and adults seeking therapeutic benefits. Admission wristbands must be purchased inside the Recreation Center and is limited to 75 participants at any one time. Operating hours and fees are subject to change. For additional outdoor pool information including swim classes, group reservations, season passes, and financial assistance, please call 703.746.5414.

Here are the hours for Memorial Pool:

• Saturday (May 28) – Sept. 4: Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday (May 31) – June 21: Monday – Friday, 4 – 7 p.m.
• June 22 – August 19: Monday – Friday, 12 – 8 p.m.
• August 22 – September 2: 4 – 7 p.m.
• Holidays: Monday, May 30, Monday, July 4, and Monday, September 5: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Old Town Pool, 1609 Cameron St. This complex includes a 25-yard pool with a diving well. A separate training pool is available for children up to 42 inches in height. Easily accessible for disabled, the training pool has a water depth range of 1-3 feet. For added convenience, a parking lot, picnic area and a tot playground are adjacent to the pool. Operating hours and fees are subject to change. For additional outdoor pool information including swim classes, group reservations, season passes, and financial assistance, please call 703.746.5414.

Here are the hours for Old Town Pool:

• Saturday (May 28) – Sept. 11: Saturdays and Sundays 12 noon – 7 p.m.
• May 31 – June 21: Monday – Friday, 4 – 7 p.m.
• June 22 – July 29: Monday – Friday, 12 noon – 8 p.m.
• August 1 – 19: Monday – Friday, 12 noon – 7 p.m.
• August 22 – Sept. 2: 4 – 7 p.m.
• Sept. 6 – 9: 6 – 9 a.m. and 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  
• Holidays: Monday, May 30, Monday, July 4, and Monday, Sept. 5: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Warwick pool is closed for the 2016 season. On May 5, City Council approved funding for the replacement of the existing pools and the construction of a new one-story building for seasonal pool-use.

All children 12 years of age and younger must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a paying adult 18 years of age and over. Children under age 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult 18 years and over in proper bathing attire at all times, and within arm's length of the adult when in the pool. This policy is necessary to improve safety and enjoyment at the City's swimming pools.

PHOTO: Shutterstock image