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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene residents will have plenty of opportunities to cool off and stay active this summer as the Keene Parks and Recreation Department has unveiled its seasonal schedule of pool programs, camps and community events.
The city’s Wheelock and Robin Hood pools will open June 19 and remain open through Aug. 18. Regular summer hours are 1 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5:45 p.m. on weekends. On Independence Day, both pools will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission is $2 per person, while children ages 3 and younger are admitted free. Children age 9 and under must be accompanied by someone at least 13 years old. The department’s summer camp program uses the pools weekdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and officials noted the facilities may be busier during those hours.
Swimming lessons for ages 5 and older will be offered in two-week sessions. The cost is $30 for Keene residents and $45 for non-residents. Levels range from 1 (can move comfortably through the water and fully submerge face) to 4 (can jump into deep water and tread for one minute).
Additional aquatic programs include Toddler Splash Time on Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m., Water Workout Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Robin Hood Pool, and Adaptive Swim Lessons on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Wheelock Pool.
Summer camp registration is also open. Programs include two park camps for children ages 7 to 12 and a middle school program for students entering grades 6 through 9. Families can choose from eight-week or two-week sessions, with before- and after-camp care available. Swim lessons are also offered as part of the camp experience.
The department’s summer events calendar begins June 24 with a free performance by 50’s Shades of Blues at the Fuller Park Lion’s Club. Other highlights include themed pool parties, outdoor concerts, Movies Under the Stars, nature programs, playground pop-up events and family activities at parks throughout the city.
Among the featured events are the Great Pirate Plunge at Wheelock Pool on June 26, Pollinator Palooza at Ashuelot River Park on June 27, a wildlife presentation by Squam Lake naturalists on July 8, Granite State Foam Frenzy at Robin Hood Park on July 22 and Mr. Wilbur’s Peanut Carnival on Aug. 12.
The popular Summer Concert Series will feature weekly performances at Fuller Park throughout the season, while Movies Under the Stars will include screenings of “Hoppers” on July 16, “The Wild Robot” on July 30 and “Arco” on Aug. 13.
Most events are free, although several themed pool parties carry a $5 admission fee, with children age 5 and younger admitted free.
Additional information about pool schedules, camps, swim lessons and summer events is available through the Keene Parks and Recreation Department.