It’s summer. For the second week in a row, Southern Nevada will stay over 100 degrees and the heat becomes a nuisance. Not to mention all of the kids being out of school for the summer. What ever will Mesquite (and Bunkerville) do?
Take a short car ride up to the park at the Sports and Event Center Complex off of World Champions Way. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.
Bunkerville’s Splash Pad has a lot of grass and several trees to provide some cool relief from the summer heat. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.
The outdoor pool at the Mesquite Recreation Center provides a fun time for all ages, including a shallow end for the younger crowd and those learning to swim. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.
While there isn’t too much shade at the Hafen Splash Pad just yet, there will be soon. There is also a shaded picnic area and fishing pond nearby. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.
A view of the big slide at the outdoor pool at the Mesquite Recreation Center. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.
There are a lot of things here, for young and old alike, that can take our minds off of the stress of the everyday grind and heat.
With the completion of the new Hafen Splash Pad, we know what it has to offer. Lots of fun with cool water in a pleasant area that doesn’t have a lot of traffic. If you have a fishing license, you can fish right next to it, too. The splash pad is free to use, easy to find and can be accessed anytime between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week. Although there isn’t too much shade now, there will be within the next two weeks or so. The City also just installed some lights for nighttime use, for those who need to cool off after the sun goes down. There are tennis courts nearby as well that are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The gates are locked, but those wishing to use the courts may contact the Mesquite Recreation Center at 702-346-8732 during normal business hours. For evening play there is a light system that you can operate from inside the courts, the light boxes set in-between courts 1 & 2 and then 1 & 3, by activating the system by push button, it will give you an hour of play time on the courts after the sun goes down and then it will warn you 15 minutes before the lights shut off with an amber strobe of when the lights will shut off automatically.
The other splash pad up at the Mesquite Sports and Events Complex on World Champions Way is also free to use. It has some trees that are closer to the pad as well as covers to avoid users getting burned if they use the equipment. The hours to access this splash pad is the same as the Hafen location.
Both locations offer picnic tables and all children must be supervised at all times.
The Virgin Valley is lucky to have a third splash pad out in Bunkerville. It too has some trees that are closer, and promises hours of fun. Picnic tables and plenty of grass as well as a sand volleyball court and swings offer something for everyone.
Between those three locations, there is a lot of chances to stay cool. But wait, there’s more.
The Mesquite Recreation Center is a busy place year round, but don’t let that deter you from enjoying what you might need most: a nice, deep pool of clean water. Thankfully, the Rec Center has two of them, to accommodate any mood, whether you want to swim inside or outside. Of course, there is a huge slide and diving board calling your name at the outside pool that will liven up even the gloomiest of hot days. At just $3 per kid or senior, $6 per adult or $30 per group. They also have monthly and yearly membership plans available, which offer other specials with classes and programs they offer. For more information, head down there and browse their wall at the entrance, it is stocked with schedules and activities for the whole family.
Whatever you decide to do with your summer, be sure you stay hydrated. Lots of water and sports drinks will do the trick, and don’t forget about the sunscreen!
