Officially, summer begins on June 21, but with temperatures already reaching triple digits in Phoenix and school-aged children out of class, you may be in search of summertime activities to keep you and your children cool.
The city's 29 swimming pools are open for daily operation from Monday, June 7, through Aug. 15. Pool hours beginning June 7 are noon to 8 p.m. Admission to a city pool is 50 cents for youth 17 and under and seniors, and $1.50 for adults.
The city's Parks and Recreation Department offers swim lessons for children and adults as well as diving lessons, synchronized swimming, water aerobics, adaptive aquatics and therapeutic water exercise classes. For more information on pools and swim classes, visit
www.phoenix.gov/SPORTS/pools or call the city's swim line at 602-534-SWIM (7946).
The Parks Department's Northeast District recreation staff also offer specialized activity classes at the Sunnyslope, Mountain View and Paradise Valley community centers. Classes during the summer include tumbling, karate, hip hop, jazz, arts and crafts, yoga, aerobics and more. For more information on summer programs, visit
www.phoenix.gov/parks/summer or call the Northeast District office at 602-262-6696.
Phoenix Public Library is partnering with libraries around the county for the Countywide Summer Reading Program, "Extra, Extra, Read Your Way to the Ballpark." The free program, which runs through July 31, is cosponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks and The Arizona Republic. It is open to youths from infants to teens; children who are not old enough to read can participate by having someone read to them.
By reading 20 minutes, 50 pages or one book, participants advance on a colorful game board and earn prizes along the way. Once they reach the finish line, the children are entered into a drawing for a chance to win a ticket to a Diamondbacks baseball game. Phoenix Public Library has several other exciting programs including book clubs, volunteer opportunities, early childhood literacy programs and more.
To find a branch location near you or for more information on programs visit
www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org or call 602-262-4636.
Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which encompasses most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at (602) 262-7445 or via e-mail at council.district.2@phoenix.gov.
