Special Edition: Small Summer Haven for the Busy

Remember when we were small children, and we loved splashing around in the pool?  Various digits would prune, our lips would turn blue, and our suntan lotion would wear off, and yet we loved the water on the hot summer days.

I just revisited this simple, exquisite escape from the humdrum -- my neighbors belong to a neighborhood pool "club".  On their way to the pool one afternoon, they rang my door and asked if I wanted to join them.  The adult of the pair said that there are cold drinks there, and tables with umbrellas.  I don't know what, but something about this relaxed, outdoor, social activity sounded especially appealing.  I went with them!

Upon arriving there was the charming and familiar scene of various towheads of all ages splashing around in the pool.  Some with siblings or friends, and a few with parents.  Chairs and parents were lined up near the shallow end, watching.  At the other end were picnic tables where some people were planning to have dinner.
Then the life guard blew his whistle, and the children cleared out quickly -- adult swim!  Although there is an ever-present lap lane, for ten minutes every hour, adults have the pool the themselves.  During this time, of course, the children want some treat from the kitchen, the vending machine, or their parents' cooler.

We were there for a few hours that afternoon, and there was something about that particular afternoon activity that I loved.  It wasn't just lying around the pool, and it wasn't just talking to the neighbors.  It was both -- and doing something that felt as summery and natural as going to a baseball game or celebrating July 4th with a grilled hot dog.

Of course, the cost of pool membership for a season is more than my annual gym membership, which makes me say "yikes"!  My gym has a pool, if I really want to swim.  But visiting for a few hours, it is easy to see why parents join.  Their kids have hours and hours of cool-off time in a safe, controlled area with their friends and neighbors.  The parents can sit and relax while eyeballing their children.  One of the parents can even swim during adult swim.  They bring lunch, consume beverages of all types, and maybe get a tan.  Not a bad way to spend a summer day!

So ... to all you parents out there ... I'm sure you know already, but if you don't, consider a community pool membership for your towheads.  Each of them them is a fish or frog waiting to come out and let loose in the pool!  And, you will probably enjoy this activity too ... most of the parents I saw had a good time.