BY AMANDA DALY
Summer is coming and soon many will be heading to their favourite location to cool off and have fun.
Nanaimo is fortunate to have so many options minutes away to beat the summer heat.
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Beban Pool, Kin Pool, water parks or one of many lakes or beaches are all great options to keep in mind when looking for somewhere to cool off.
My favourite is Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. It is our largest pool facility that offers early morning and late evening hours. It’s located on the south end of town just off Wakesiah Avenue.
There’s a cafè, fitness gym, swim store and three water slides. Thanks to the wave pool and three slides, the pool often boasts more visitors than any of the other pools or beaches.
There’s also a kids’ area with a boat that squirts jets of water and a lazy river. Come early and hit up the weight room for an extra calorie burning session.
A close second is Westwood Lake located just off the parkway and Jingle Pot Road on Westwood Road. The lake is a beachfront beauty and the only beach in Nanaimo patrolled by lifeguards starting July 2, seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m.
It’s easy to make a day of it by adding a hike or bike around the park trail and barbecuing nearby.
In central Nanaimo, the public can swim outdoors at the Kin Pool in Bowen Park just off Bowen Road. This pool is operated by the White Rapids Nanaimo Summer Swim Club. It’s heated, which most appreciate in the spring to summer transition.
Beban Pool – located at Beban Park Recreational Centre – is the best bet for young kids and seniors. In addition to the slide and lazy river, there’s a chest-deep pool for aquatic fitness classes, lane swimming, a hot tub and steam room.
The summer is never complete without a visit to our water parks. The parks – Harewood Centennial, Deverill Square, Mansfield Park and Departure Bay Centennial parks – open in June from 9 a.m. 8 p.m.
Want to learn more about Nanaimo pools, programs and summer fun? Please visit www.nanaimo.ca.
Amanda Daly is a marketing and communication specialist with Nanaimo parks, recreation and culture.