While Labor Day traditionally signals the closure of public pools and splash pads in North Texas, some local cities are breaking from that tradition this year. In a move welcomed by residents, several municipalities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are prolonging their aquatic facilities‘ operations into September.
Kids’ Colony Splash Park at 5151 North Colony Blvd. in The Colony will remain open through September 30 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors are instructed to hit a yellow pole with a red top to activate the splash features.
Jackie Kopsa, Director of Community Services for The Colony, told CBS News Texas, “With the current high temperatures, it makes perfect sense to keep the facility open for as long as we can. We aim to extend the season formally from Memorial Day weekend through September 30 next year.”
“A crucial aspect of this extension is having enough skilled staff to maintain safety and equipment properly,” he added.
Davan Winters, a mother of two who visited the splash park on Labor Day, expressed her excitement about the extension.
“This is super critical for us. It provides an alternative to being stuck indoors, especially since my kids adore water activities,” she told CBS News.
Likewise, the Plano Aquatic Center at 2301 Westside Dr. in Plano is extending its season, much to the delight of residents. Peggy Plaisted, who visited the center with her two grandchildren on Labor Day, described the facility as a “lifesaver.”
“We absolutely love it,” she said, per CBS News.
The facility’s indoor pool will remain open all year during the following hours:
- Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Weekends: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m
The outdoor splash pad will remain open through September 17, according to the city’s website.
Though these cities are extending their pool and splash pad operations, some North Texas cities will proceed with closures starting Tuesday. Others may offer limited schedules into October, often only during weekends.
Dallas operates 17 free Spraygrounds throughout the city, which will remain open on weekends only through the end of September. The city’s Bahama Beach family waterpark at 1895 Campfire Circle is open for the next two weekends, weather permitting, before closing for the season on September 18.
The primary obstacle to these extended operations is staffing. Many lifeguards and other essential workers are returning to school, making it challenging to keep the facilities open.
If considering a trip to any of these aquatic centers, it’s advisable to check their specific schedules in advance.
