The Great Escape: Time To Go Swimming

This time of year, when the dog days of summer have settled in, our family likes to go swimming. There are lots of options in the area.

If you want to join a private pool, there are four options in the area (that I know about.)

(1) The Adelphi Pool (9442 Riggs Road || Hyattsville MD 20783 || 301-434-1994)  This olympic sized pool is near the intersection of Riggs Road and Adelphi Road, tucked into a hill with a spectacular view of the George Washington Cemetery. Once PG County schools are closed, the pool is open Sunday from 12 noon to 9:30 pm, and Monday - Saturday: 10:30 am to 9:30 pm. This is a members-only co-operatively owned pool, a family can join for the entire summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) for $550.

(2) The Prince George's Pool (3301 Buchanan Street || Mt. Rainier, MD 20712 || 301-277-8896) This enormously popular "cool pool" is on Buchanan between Queens Chapel Road and 34th Street. Once PG County schools are closed, the pool is open Saturday from 12 noon to 10:30 pm, Sunday from 12 noon to 8:30 pm, and Monday - Friday 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Lap swim is available for the two hours prior to opening each day. This is a members-only co-operatively owned pool, a family can join for the entire summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) for $625.

(3) The College Park Woods Swim Club (3545 Marlbrough Way || College Park, MD 20740 || 301-935-5617) This pool is tucked into a quiet neighborhood off Metzerott Road west of Route 1. The pool is open Friday and Saturday from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Sunday - Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This is a members-only pool, a family can join for the entire summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) for $450.

(4) The Greenbelt Aquatic and Fitness Center (101 Centerway || Greenbelt, MD 20770 || 301-397-2204)  This pool is in the heart of the historic city of Greenbelt, and the indoor pool is open year round. The outdoor pool is open Monday - Friday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (Memorial Day to Labor Day). The cost for summer membership for non-resident families is $375; year-round family memberships cost $632.

If  you just want to go for a swim, but don't want to join a pool, Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (MNC-PPC) runs a number of pools, including the Ellen Linson Swimming Pool (5211 Paint Branch Parkway || College Park, MD 20740 || 301-277-3717). Near the College Park Metro Station, this pool is open Monday - Friday from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 7:00 pm. Lap swim is Monday - Friday 6:30 am to 11:00 am.  Adults swim for $5 per visit, children and seniors for $4 per visit. Children under 2 swim for free. Children under 2 swim for free. A one-month family pass costs $37.

Stay cool.