By Marla Ballard
Reporter
DEKALB COUNTY - With days warming up into the 70s it will not be long before the swimsuits will come out of the drawer and summer fun will be here.
DeKalb County has many options for swimming. City pools are located in the towns of Rainsville, Fort Payne, Crossville, and Henagar. Splash pads can be found in Fyffe, Fort Payne, and Geraldine.
Body Vision Fitness & Aquatic in Rainsville offers an indoor pool open year-round. Follow on Facebook for city pool information.
Starting Memorial Day weekend DeSoto State Park pool opens and continues open until Labor Day weekend. Open swim is from 11 AM - 6 PM every day until school reopens. When school starts back the pool will only be open on weekends.
A fee of $5 per person is payable by cash or card. Seasonal passes are available for individuals or families.
Amenities at the State Park pool include a snack stand, a lifeguard on duty, diving board, restrooms, changing rooms, lounge chairs, and ADA lift and handicap accessibility.
Private party reservations are available from 6:30 PM - 9 PM. To reserve the pool for a private party contact amanda.kennamer@dcnr.alabama.gov. The fee for private parties is $167.30 including tax and one lifeguard per 25 swimmers, additional lifeguard costs extra. No holiday party bookings accepted.
Those who stay in the campground or at the park have free entrance to the pool. For more information go to alapark.com/desoto-state-park/swimming.
DeSoto Golf Club located at 502 Crystal Lake Dr., Fort Payne offers seasonal passes and pool party options as well. Amenities include a full restaurant menu at DeSoto Club 9 Grill. The cost is $5 per person per visit or purchase a pass for multiple visits. Hours are generally 12 PM - 5 PM.
The pool will be open by the first week of June. For information on making a reservation for a pool party contact the Pro Shop Manager, Katy. (256-845-2571).
In addition to “concrete ponds” the natural beauty of the lakes and rivers in the area offer great recreational opportunities. Little River Canyon affords many swimming areas. The National Preserve does not designate any area of the canyon or river as a designated swimming area. All swimmers swim at their own risk.
Just outside of DeKalb County in Cherokee County nature lovers may enjoy Canyon Mouth Park. The park is located at AL-273, Cedar Bluff. Two small soccer fields with goals are in the park. There is also an outside shower for rinsing off. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle. This fee is for a 7-day pass. Annual passes may be purchased at the entrance or at the Little River Canyon Center at Little River Trail NE, Fort Payne. Ask about the America the Beautiful pass that covers all National Parks across America (256-845-9605). During holidays and weekends go early to the Canyon Mouth Park to gain entry, when the parking lot is full, no admittance is permitted.
