By the time this story goes to press, summer vacation will be officially over and children in our area will be back at school, sorting out desk supplies and counting down the time until recess. But it’s not too late to have some summer-style fun with your family in the next few weeks. And what could be more summery than a trip to the local public pool?
Afternoons at the pool near my suburban DC home were a staple of my childhood, and I was surprised to realize when considering options for a Fun Friday activity that my children had rarely experienced such an outing (we have a small, aboveground pool at home that we generally use). So we stocked up on sunscreen and towels and arranged to meet some friends at the Shoey Pool on a warm August afternoon.
The Shoey Pool, 1003 Main Street, Shoemakersville, is a great option for summertime fun. Built in the 1960s on the edges of town, the pool is an easy walk for those luckily enough to live in Shoemakersville. For our family, it was a short and familiar drive, as our children have attended nearby Perry Elementary School for years.
We arrived at the pool shortly after its noon opening, and were pleasantly surprised at the pool’s size and surroundings. The main pool is large and gradually deepens to about five feet. A deeper, 12-foot section crooks off one end of the pool; this area is roped off and designated for divers only. There is a separate, round wading pool for little swimmers.
My kids are decent swimmers and soon discovered the joy of diving off the board (or jumping feet first) swimming to the edge, and scurrying back to the end of the line to jump again. With our friends, we held impromptu diving contests, judging items like highest splash or straightest form. Some adults even joined in the contest, and scores were good-naturally contested amid more splashes and lots of laughter.
Comfortable benches are scattered around the pool’s perimeter, making great spots to judge contests or watch swimmers while chatting with friends. The Shoey pool also boosts a large grassy area and picnic tables are available in a few spots. Of course, a popular destination at the pool is the snack bar. Here, we found great snack options at very reasonable prices. Visitors to the pool can also bring coolers stocked with their own food choices; they may also carry in chairs, blankets and simple pool toys.
We hadn’t thought to bring a beach ball or other toys. However, as children will do, my kids soon struck up friendships with other families at the pool and began playing semi-organized games. Adults were also welcome to cool off in the pool’s depths. Lifeguards oversaw everyone, switching out at regular intervals.
We passed a pleasant afternoon at the pool, and reluctantly packed up our gear and said goodbye to our friends as evening approached. We hope to return again to the Shoey Pool, which is scheduled to be open through Labor Day. The pool generally reopens by Memorial Day and plans are currently underway to resurface and add new features. For details about the Shoey Pool, call them at 610.562.9902 or visit their Facebook page.
Another great area option for swimming fun is the Hamburg Boro Swimming Pool, 200 Franklin St., Hamburg. Also open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Hamburg pool offers lap swim and public swim times, with daily and season rates for residents and non-residents. Details about the Hamburg pool’s hours and programs are available by calling 610.562.5762 or visiting hamburgboro.com/Recreation_Department.
No matter what pool you choose, act fast. In just a few weeks, warm temperatures will end, the pools will close and memories of summer afternoons will be just that – memories – as we face another Pennsylvania winter.
