Families looking to beat the heatwave this week can cool off at the City of Turlock’s two aquatic playgrounds, which are open once more after the pandemic shut them down last summer. Turlock’s public pools are still closed to recreational swimmers due to COVID-19, though swim lessons are being hosted at Pitman High School. 

Turlock resident Aiden Struve and his family were at the Columbia Water Spray Park on Tuesday afternoon, much to his delight. Last year was the first time Struve wasn’t able to go to the spray park, he said, and he was overjoyed to be back under his favorite feature of the playground: the water-spilling coconuts.

“This means that the pandemic is starting to end and I’m really happy about it,” Struve said.

Turlock’s two aquatic playgrounds are located at 600 Columbia and 501 N. Broadway. The parks are open from noon to 7 p.m. seven days per week, and City staff will continue to follow state COVID-19 guidelines and adjust to any necessary changes. Mobile aquatic chairs are available upon request by calling 209-668-5594 in advance.