Pools and splash pad help beat summer heat

With temperatures already reaching into the 90s across Lincoln County and forecasts calling for continued summer heat, residents and visitors have several options for cooling off this season.

The Caliente City Pool, located at 151 Alice St., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily admission is $4 for children ages 3-12, $5 for adults and $4 for seniors ages 65 and older. Season passes are also available with a single season pass at $60, a senior season pass at $65 and a family pass for up to five members at $110. The pool offers public swimming, snacks and private rentals throughout the summer.

For a touch of nature, head to Kershaw-Ryan State Park at 300 Kershaw Canyon Rd. in Caliente. The park’s spring-fed wading pool and pond provide a refreshing desert oasis within Rainbow Canyon. While the water is too shallow for traditional swimming, it offers a popular place to relax and cool off during warmer weather. A $5 day-use fee applies, and the day-use area is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.

The splash pad at the Alamo Town and Children’s Park, located at 759 Box Canyon Rd., is also operating for the season. The popular zero-depth water play area recently returned to service following repairs to a malfunctioning switch. The splash pad provides a family-friendly option for free summer fun.

The newest opening comes from Pioche, where the Pioche Public Pool officially opened for the season June 9 following weeks of preparation, training and facility improvements.

According to Pioche pool manager Bob Mayo, local lifeguards recently completed certification training through the White Pine Aquatics Center, allowing the facility to open for the season.

“These kids were pushed beyond their comfort zones and passed their classes,” Mayo said. “Thank them when you come to the pool. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to open.”

Mayo said instructors from White Pine Aquatics Center described the Pioche group as the best class they had ever trained.

The town also completed several improvements before opening day, including updates to the lifeguard break room, repainting safety markings on the pool deck and acquiring additional emergency equipment. Mayo thanked Lincoln County Fire personnel in Panaca for quickly providing a new automated external defibrillator and a second rescue backboard when they were needed.

Located at 186 Fourth St., the Pioche Public Pool is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and youth ages 5-17 and $1 for children age 4 and under. Individual season passes are available for $50, while family passes are available for $100. The facility can also be rented for private parties for $100 for two hours.

As summer temperatures continue to climb, local pools, splash pads and water features offer residents several opportunities to stay cool while enjoying the season.