Make a Splash in Midland this Summer

Summer is in full swing, and the temperatures are rising. What better way to cool off than making a splash at one of the many water offerings in our area? Whether you are in the city limits or just beyond, Midland has you covered with several spray parks, Plymouth Pool and Lake Kiwassee at Stratford Woods Park.

Break time at Plymouth Pool
Plymouth Pool has long been a family favorite and is in the heart of Midland at 1508 E. Wheeler St. and is open daily from 1-8pm. A great place to relax, get some exercise or wear out the kiddos as it features lounge chairs, covered tables and Adirondack chairs lining the pool. Lifeguards are on duty monitoring swimmers, little ones splashing and waterslide activity. Bring a cooler with your favorite snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (no glass, please!) and spend the day swimming and splashing. Recently, Kona Ice opened a stand selling snow cones poolside. Day passes are just $6 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-17 (free for ages 2 and under). Season passes are also available and can be purchased through the City of Midland website.

Plymouth Pool is located in the northeast corner of Midland.
Marcie Post, City of Midland Assistant Director of Public Services, Parks and Recreation Department, shares, “At the pool we are excited to offer Adult Only swim on Saturday mornings in July. From 9:30-11:30am, adults can enjoy the pool in a quieter setting. We are also offering Adaptive Swim Saturdays in August at the same time. This is for swimmers that may have special needs and can use the water wheelchair and lift. All of the water features will be turned off for a more relaxed setting.” Both options require the purchase of a day pass or can be used with a season pass.
City of Midland Spray Park at Longview in Midland's southeast corner
“Spray parks are a great alternative to the pool. Our spray parks are free and it’s a great opportunity for our families to have a quick in and out. We have two spray parks – one at Longview and one downtown, Gerstacker. We also have Thrune Park. Though it’s not a true spray park, it does feature water with 6-8 little sprayers. It’s gated all around, so you can see little ones wherever they go. It’s my favorite secret spot in the city,” Post continues. More information on the spray parks can be found on the city’s website.

Beyond the city limits you will find two more spray parks, one in Lee Township and one at Sanford Lake Park. Lee Township’s spray park can be found at 1548 W Prairie Rd. in Midland and is open from 9am-9pm. Sanford Lake Park’s spray park is located at 415 W Irish in Sanford and is open from 7am-8pm. Another option is the outdoor pool at the West Midland Family Center, on M-20, about 15 miles west of downtown Midland. Check the website for information on fees and free family swim times.
Spray Park at Sanford Lake Park
If you are looking to sit on the beach, but want to stay in Midland, Stratford Woods Park offers sand and water for more summer fun. Located at 3922 E. Ashman, Lake Kiwassee is a manmade lake that can be enjoyed from dawn to dusk. Supervision is strongly encouraged as there is no lifeguard on duty. The water quality is monitored by Parks and Recreation and results can be found on the city’s website.

If you are interested in year-round water fun, Greater Midland offers lap swim and the Oasis Pool at the Midland Community Center. More information on cost, hours of operation and pool temperature can be viewed on their website.





Upcoming Events

Middle school teens will have the chance to enjoy four fun-filled evenings at Plymouth Pool after hours during Teen Night hosted by the The Rock Youth Center 4 Youth Development and Midland Parks & Recreation. The pool parties offer a fun and safe experience for teens 11 to 14 years of age.

All events are from 8:00-9:30 p.m. This is available to Midland County students only. Snacks will be available for purchase. Dates are July 5, 12, 19 and 26.


Tri-Kids-Try at Plymouth Park & Pool-July 14 - July 15, for kids, ages 6-15. This youth triathlon will challenge kids to swim, bike, and run all while having fun! The event emphasizes health, self-esteem, and confidence. Sign up is through Greater Midland Community Center. Looking to prep before the race? Train at the Kids Triathlon Camp at the Greater Midland Community Center, July 10-14. 
 

 
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Read more articles by Carly Lillard.

Carly Lillard moved to the Great Lakes Bay Region in 2007 from Traverse City. Since that time, she’s graduated from Northwood University and held positions at Dow, Northwood University, Midland Area Community Foundation, Shelterhouse and Youth For Understanding. Currently, Carly is working as the Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Relationships at Holy Cross Services while completing her Master’s Degree from Michigan State University in Strategic Communication. When she’s not writing, you will find her spending time with her husband, Jesse, and two children, Maycie and Elias. Carly can be reached at carlylillard@gmail.com.