Does the record-busting heat wave have you scrambling for ways to cool off?
One of the best ways to beat the heat is a visit to a municipal swimming pool or public beach.
And here is the good news: Hornell area pools are either open already or are just days away from welcoming their first swimmers of the summer.
Here’s where you can take a dip and cool off this summer.
Veterans Memorial Park pool, Hornell
The popular public swimming pool in Veterans Memorial Park at James Street opens June 29.
The daily hours are 12:30-6:30 p.m., through the end of August.
The pool complex has benefited from several major upgrades, including the installation of a splash pad, a new family bathroom, modernized changing rooms, improved locker rooms with ADA-compliant units, new benches, and better lighting.
Cost: Admission is $1 for city residents, $2 for non-residents, and free for members of the Hornell Area Family YMCA.
(Keep an eye out for free swim days sponsored by businesses, groups and individuals.)
Union Square Park fountain, Hornell
The fountain in Hornell’s newest park at Seneca and Genesee streets is a convenient alternative for cooling off while waiting for the James Street Park pool to open this coming weekend.
The fountain has a programmable timer and it is on for varied hours, depending on the day of the week. The fountain is also in operation during special events in the park.
Cost: None.
Hornell Area Family YMCA pool
Located at 18 Center St. in the City of Hornell, the YMCA pool hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Cost: The YMCA has a variety of membership options for youth, young adults, families and seniors. Visitors may also purchase day passes, which provide access to all YMCA facilities, including the pool, for the day.
Stony Brook State Park, Dansville
Stony Brook’s natural stream-fed swimming pool opens for the summer season on June 28. Pool hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week. Dates and hours are subject to change due to staffing, weather conditions and other environmental factors. If you are going, the park suggests calling ahead to confirm the swimming area is open.
Cost: Park entrance is $9 per vehicle.
Moore Memorial pool, Bolivar
The Moore Memorial pool in the Allegany County town of Bolivar opens on June 30. Pool hours are Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The pool is closed on Sunday.
Cost: Ages 3-18, $2; adults, $3. Season passes are $40-individual, $70-two people, $100, family of 3 or more.
Rushford Lake Public Swimming Beach
The beach is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 29. Starting June 30, the summer schedule goes into effect, with swimming daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. up to and including Labor Day.
The swimming area is also open on the Fourth of July.
The beach is located at 8178 county Road 49.
Cost: None.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Cool off at these public swimming pools, beaches around the Hornell area
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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