While the Valley has had an unusually temperate spring and early summer, those hot summer days are expected to return by Thursday. Thankfully, the City of Turlock’s two aquatic playgrounds are up and running and ready to help families cool off.

Turlock resident Tesla Wilson and her 4-year-old son, Suntrulius, were at the Columbia Park aquatic playground on Tuesday.

“We’re here at least three or four times a week in the summer when it’s open,” said Wilson. “It’s a real lifesaver.”

Beatrice Sanchez just moved to Turlock from L.A. and she also brought her three children, ages 7,5 and 3, to the aquatic playground for some fun on Tuesday.

“The kids love it. It makes it easy, you don’t have to go in and swim to get wet for the kids to have fun,” said Sanchez.

Both the Columbia Park (600 Columbia St.) and Broadway Park (501 N. Broadway) aquatic playgrounds are open from noon to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 5. A mobile aquatic chair is available upon request. Those interested can call (209) 668-5594 in advance to make arrangements for use.

As children frolicked in the streaming fountains and sprinklers at the aquatic playground, the site of the once vibrant Columbia Park Pool adjacent to the aquatic playground is now a very dry, dirt-filled lot. For the past three years, the Columbia Pool has been closed for renovations.

The Columbia Pool renovation includes demolition of the old facility and installing a new pool, concession building, storage building, restrooms and pump and chemical room facility. The City also received a $197,264 grant from the Turlock Irrigation District through their “Powering Our Communities” program. The grant will be used to install energy-saving air conditioner units, lighting and pool pump.

While the Columbia Pool remains closed there is another option available for those looking to take a swim this summer.

The City of Turlock will offer recreational swim this summer at the Pitman High Pool, 2525 Christoffersen Parkway. Public swim will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday through July 27. Cost is $1 per child and $3 per adult. The pool will be supervised by certified lifeguards.

Two local organizations will be helping to make pool time affordable for everyone.

The Turlock Associated Police Officers will be sponsoring a free pool day from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 29 at the Pitman Pool. The first 100 guests will receive free admission into the pool.

The Turlock Irrigation District will sponsor a free pool day from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 20 at the Pitman High Pool.  TID will sponsor the entry fee of swimmers of all ages during the specific “Swim for Free with TID” date and times.

Turlock Transit is also offering free rides for youth ages 18 and under from Columbia Park to the Pitman High Pool this summer.

Youth who may be interested in becoming a lifeguard when they’re older can get a head start on their life-saving skills with the City of Turlock’s Junior Guard training. Youth ages 11 to 15 years can sign-up for this course that runs from noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday July 10-20. Cost is $84. Junior Guard serves as a foundation for further training in lifeguarding and aquatics.