In the summertime, when it’s hot and humid and you’re about to melt, you come to the Ellen E. Linson Splash Park and in the winter, you go next door to the Herbert Wells Ice Rink.

The splash complex is divided into different areas, starting with a regular pool for lap swimming, practice, and fun. Then, there’s a climbing wall, two different slides, and an obstacle course with an overhead rope ladder and floating tires underneath. There’s a kiddie pool, basketball court, locker room, showers, picnic area, and a vending area. With a pool starting at 1.5 feet deep, there’s something for every level and age swimmer.

Age restrictions apply, which means children 11 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult who is responsible for their supervision at poolside. Children, 5 years old and under, when in the pool, must be within arm’s reach and directly supervised by a responsible adult. Finally, children ages 12-17 must have a PARKS DIRECT identification and parental consent to be at the pool unattended.

There is an admission fee that varies by age and whether or not you’re a resident of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, in Maryland. Free swimming is available for children and teens from 6-17 years of age on Friday and Saturday, early July through mid-August, from 4 p.m. to closing, with a free M-NCPPC Youth Identification card. Parental supervision is still required for those 11 and under. There is a limit to the number of people who can be in the pool complex and a waiting line forms, particularly on hot afternoons. You may call to see what the status is.

The pool is open, generally, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It’s closed during inclement weather and swimmers must leave the pool when thunderstorms are in the area. Although the pool is open at 6 a.m. on weekdays (a little later on weekends), specific times are scheduled for lap swimming, so check the website for details.

Among other activities, American Red Cross swim lessons and lifeguard training classes are available.

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