Ten places to stay wet all summer
Summer has been slow coming to Kansas City, but make no mistake: The five-finger death punch of heat, humidity, boredom, sweat and sweat-barassment is upon us. Sure, you could get hammered on cold mojitos at noon, but going for a swim is an easier, cheaper and safer way to revel in the sluggishness of the season. So here’s our list of 10 public pools where you can barrel down a slide, go with the flow, or just eat a 3-foot Super Rope while working on your tan. Oh, and remember your sunscreen, people.
Adventure Oasis
2100 S. Hub Dr., Independence
ci.independence.mo.us/parksandrec/advenoasis.aspx
This water park aims to please thrill seekers and slothful sunbathers alike with a 900-foot lazy river, a 308-foot raft slide, and a full-service dining area.
The Bay Water Park
7101 Longview Rd.
thebaykc.com
In addition to multiple pools and a lazy river, the Bay is also home to the area’s only public surf simulator, opening this spring. It’s just like riding waves at the beach, you guys! (Not really. But it still sounds fun.)
Black Bob Bay
14570 W. 151st St., Olathe
olatheks.org/parksrec/programs/aquatics/blackbob
The lines for the raft slide at Black Bob Bay can be long, but the splash at the end is well worth the wait. Once you’ve snagged a tube, seriously hang onto it.
Indian Trails Aquatic Center
8801 Greenway Ln., Lenexa
lenexa.com/parks/pools_indiantrails.html
When you’re ready to work off that half-pint of cookies and cream you just devoured from the concession stand, Indian Trails has eight lanes for swimming laps. And a rock-climbing wall. And plenty of space for lounging.
Leawood Aquatic Center
10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood
leawood.org/parks/aquaticcenter.aspx
This pool has five separate areas to appeal to all ages, including a zero-depth pool, a slide and an adults-only swim every hour. A season pass at Leawood Aquatic Center also gets you into five other Johnson County – area pools.
Roeland Park Aquatic Center
4843 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park
roelandpark.net/explore-roeland-park/aquatic-center
When the dome comes off this year-round pool in May, the fun really starts. The center has a 120-foot slide, a spray park and a separate pool for kids. Also: an area for competitive lap swimming. Loser buys nachos!
Summit Waves
120 S.W. Blue Pkwy., Lee’s Summit
cityofls.net/parks/facilities/
summit-waves.aspx
The first aquatic park in Lee’s Summit, Summit Waves features a 904-foot “action river” and a six-lane lap pool. The concession stand has healthy snack options that will make you feel good about the thought of taking off your shirt again sometime this summer.
Super Splash USA
5530 Raytown Rd., Raytown
supersplashusa.com
Whether you’re in the mood for slides with “Avalanche” and “Fury” in their names or you just want to chill in the shade, this Raytown water park has you covered.
Swope Park Pool
6700 Lewis Rd.
kcparks.org/recreation/swope-park-pool/
As far as pools go, those here are pretty basic: two giant concrete holes filled with chlorinated water in which many humans can swim simultaneously, and one has a diving board. The awesome part: A season pass costs only $25, and on Sundays, you can swim for $1.
Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center
11950 Lowell, Overland Park
opkansas.org/things-to-see-and-do/city-pools/outdoor-pools/tomahawk-ridge-aquatic-center
This is Overland Park’s largest overall pool facility, complete with a 60-foot slide and a 25-meter lap lane, because occasionally someone uses swimming as exercise and not just another excuse to drink.
