The crazy, hazy lazy days of summer are here right along with the high temperatures that the Mohave Desert is famous for. You know, those days that all the snowbirds leave town to avoid; smart move. What about those who stay to endure the triple digit temperatures?

Kellon Walch preferred to stay cool by wading in the shallow water staying far away from the splashes when he visited the Hafen Park Splash Pad with his three older siblings before their trip to the dentist on June 2. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Kellon Walch preferred to stay cool by wading in the shallow water staying far away from the splashes when he visited the Hafen Park Splash Pad with his three older siblings before their trip to the dentist on June 2. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

The City of Mesquite’s Department of Athletics and Leisure Services is seeing to it that temperatures remain tolerable to those who remain. They’ve even picked up a few out of town customers.

On June 2 a family came all the way from Alamo for the splash pad and the dentist. Milly Walch brought her children to the splash pad as a bribe before their visit to the dentist. “I told the kids that we could come to town early and come to the splash pad before the dentist as a way of cushioning their visit,” said Walch, “It seemed to work just fine. They’re having a ball as you can see.”

:  Myla Walch visits the Hafen Park splash pad on June 2 all the way from Alamo, NV to cool off and let off some steam before visiting the dentist.  Photo by Teri Nehrenz

: Myla Walch visits the Hafen Park splash pad on June 2 all the way from Alamo, NV to cool off and let off some steam before visiting the dentist. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

The recreation center’s outdoor pool opened on June 3. Several dozen Mesquite children preferred the inviting waters to the triple digit temperatures while parents lounged around beneath the shade structures and took an occasional dip.

Both splash pads are free to the public and visitors are welcome to enjoy the facilities as well. Pool passes are required for the recreation center’s pool and can be obtained by contacting the Department of Athletics and Leisure Services at 702-346-8732.

The splash pad at the Mesquite Sports and Events Complex is available from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Sunday, (seasonal) May 1st – Sept. 30. The Splash Pad is located 1635 Bertha Howe Avenue.

The Hafen Park splash pad is available from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Sunday, (seasonal) May 1 – Sept 30 depending on weather and is located at 450 Hafen Lane.

When the Mesquite Recreation Center outdoor pool opened on June 3 many Mesquite residents enjoyed cooling off from the triple digit temperatures.  Photo by Teri Nehrenz

When the Mesquite Recreation Center outdoor pool opened on June 3 many Mesquite residents enjoyed cooling off from the triple digit temperatures. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Revised hours of operation for the Mesquite Recreation Center outdoor pool are Monday through Thursday 5 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 5 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Rec Center and pool are closed Sundays.