Four Ways to Beat the Heat at the Community Center

When the summer heat reaches its peak, you need a convenient place to cool down. Move the fun inside with Westerville Parks and Recreation. The Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., offers many ways for community members to beat the heat. Find daily and monthly pass rates at www.Westerville.org/Passes.

Join a Class

Just because you want to escape the heat outside doesn’t mean you’re not ready for an indoor sweat session. Sign up for a wide range of fitness classes alongside your neighbors and inside the air conditioning. Or, for a different pace of activity, consider one of the many enriching offerings that hone creativity and foster opportunities to connect with new people. Turn to the class section of the Community Guide, beginning on page 40, to plan your summer fun.

Take a Dip

Walking into the building from the steamy parking lot, this state-of-the-art aquatic haven inside the Community Center may seem like a mirage. Your daily, monthly or annual pass grants you access to splash—or step—into hours of fun for the whole family. The zero-entry pool features an aquatic playground. Children will enjoy mini-dueling and tube slides, fountains and a splash zone with a 150-plus-gallon water bucket. The pool also features large dueling slides that turn water play into friendly competition with lights and slide speed recording. Visitors can also enjoy the 25-yard lap pool featuring 8 lanes. Check the City’s website for lane availability, which is posted weekly. Each person entering the pool area is required to purchase a pass. Find open swim hours on page 74.

Visit the Indoor Playground

Just inside the lobby, next to the Zenith Rock Climbing wall, is a free indoor playground. Children can enjoy climbing, sliding and exploring while parents take a breath and break from the summer sun.

Pick up a Game in the Gymnasium

Grab some friends and a monthly or daily pass to enjoy a game in the Community Center gymnasium. Configurations for the space include three regulation basketball courts, six smaller courts or four volleyball courts. Gymnasium visitors must be 10 or older or be chaperoned by an individual age 13 or older. Westerville Parks and Recreation provides basketballs and volleyballs during drop-in hours. For a breakdown of open gym hours, visit www.Westerville.org/Gymnasium.

Other Places to Cool Off

The Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., has a robust program schedule throughout the year. From storytimes to STEAM-centered presentations, art displays, classes, book discussions and more, there is something most days of the week for a wide range of ages. View the library’s event calendar to plan your next visit at www.WestervilleLibrary.org.