Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool no matter the time of year! Not too many people know that there is a 41,000 square foot aquatic center right here in the Tri-County area! The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center in Prince Frederick, Maryland is our little trip to paradise. This recreation center was recently built in 2010 to provide aquatic programs for swimmers of all ages and abilities. When you hear indoor pool, I’m sure you are thinking what makes this aquatic center so special? Well, it not just your ordinary pool; I was beyond surprised the first time we went. I couldn’t believe how much this center had to offer; there is a competition pool, leisure pool, therapy pool, fitness room, conference/party room and locker rooms.
As a mom I was amazed with how clean, well maintained and family friendly the aquatic center is. Right away I was excited that they had family style changing rooms in addition to locker rooms. You will find the family changing rooms locked right before you enter the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Inside you will find a handicap accessible shower, toilet and sink; as well as a baby changing station. If you have multiple little ones that you are trying to rinse, dry, change and keep in one, than this area is perfect for your family!
The next thing I noticed right away is that your kids can wear coast guard approved life vests or puddle jumpers in the pool. Just keep in mind they have to be removed in order to go down the slides for safety reasons. We brought our own water safety gear; however, the pool has life jacket style flotation’s that you can borrow.
What set this pool apart for our family though is the awesome leisure (children’s) pool located at the back of the aquatic center. As you enter the leisure pool area you feel as though you are stepping into paradise. Feel the warmth of the heated pool, enjoy the view of palm trees and have fun splashing in the coolest pool in the tri-county area! Complete with three slides, fountains and buckets of water that pour over your head, you and your little’s are sure to have hours of fun.
Due to the awesomeness of the leisure pool and the fact that I was flying solo with two little’s; we didn’t get a lot of time to check out the other amenities. That being said, we did take time to admire the huge 50-meter pool. I could see older kids loving this section; especially the diving boards at the deep end. There is even a 3-meter high diving board where you’ll find swimmers of all ages practicing crazy flips and jumps.
The center of the large pool is reserved for swimming laps. Some mornings the lap pool is reserved for adult swim only until noon. Swim teams and clubs also use the lanes. Be sure to call ahead if you’re concerned about crowds and the staff will tell you when the quiet times are.
You will also notice that there are lifeguards stationed at every pool with one at each section of the large pool to keep a close watch. Do keep in mind that parents with children under the age of six must be in the pool with their little’s at all times and supervision of children is required for ages 12 and under.
It’s great that there are bleachers that line the pool area. I’m sure this comes in handy to host swim meets. It’s a great spot to sit and watch if you aren’t swimming.
Another area that I admired but didn’t get to experiences was the therapy pool where you will find a hot tub; which was one of the largest hot tubs I’ve ever seen. I was impressed that physical therapists use the center of therapy pool for treatment of patients.
Don’t forget about Wibit Weekends! Every Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM they set up a giant inflatable course in the middle of the pool for swimmers to climb on and slide off of for a splashing good time. There are a few rules for safety such as: must be over 6 years old and over 45 inches tall to participate. See website for additional information and rules.
Prices
From annual membership to day passes, there are many different options for admission into the Aquatic Center. Please view their website for details about prices. In a nut shell you could buy an annual family pass for $475 or daily passes $6 residents/$8 non-residents for adults and $4 residents/$6 non-residents for kids. They offer discount to active duty military as well. If you are ready to invest in a season pass but think you might attend frequently a punch pass is another option. $100 adult/ $68 child 20 admission punch card.
Party Room
The party room, located on the pool level is available to rent at a rate of $130 per hour and half time slot. This includes facility admission for a maximum of 20 people including adults and or chaperones. The room includes 20 folding chairs and four tables. Party room reservations will be taken at least 7 days prior to event and no more than 90 days in advanced.
Swim Lessons
Check the website for information on classes and events. I picked up a pamphlet with information and found out that they have private swim lessons, as well as group classes that include: preschool aquatic level one, two and three classes. Adaptive swim lessons, young swimmers conditioning and adult level one and two courses. The center is also the perfect place to take an American Red Cross certification course in life guard training, water instruction or water safety. There are a dozen of water fitness classes as well that offer boot camps to aqua Zumba and deep water running to aqua yoga. I was also impressed to see that they have open water scuba training too!
Events
Mark your calendar for April 8, 2017 for the therapeutic Duck Race fundraiser! More information can be found in the Calvert County Spring Parks and Recreation brochure.
Information
Hours
Facility Hours
Monday: Friday 6:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Leisure (Children’s) Pool Hours
Monday: Friday 12:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Diving Well
Monday-Thursday CLOSED
Friday: 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Competitive Pool
Follow facility hours
Therapy Pool & Hot Tub
Follow facility hours
Must be 18+
The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center
130 Auto Drive
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: 410-414-8350
Website: http://www.co.cal.md.us/index.aspx?nid=397
Check out the playful parents MEGA LIST OF INDOOR ENTERTAINING for more fun indoor play!
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