Mentioning the temperature and humidity today doesn’t qualify as breaking news, but here’s some useful information sent out this morning by City Hall about how to deal with it:
Looking for a place to cool off with the kids this week? Make a splash at the newly refurbished Deering Oaks Ravine. Today … the Ravine will open for the summer. The Ravine features underground fountains and a wading pool and is a popular spot for families looking for some relief from the heat. Picnic tables and the William A. Goodwin Playspace are just a short walk away making a trip to Deering Oaks a fun escape for the day.
Another fun spot to escape the heat is the city’s only outdoor public pool, the Kiwanis Pool and the splashpad. The pool’s open swim hours are seven days a week, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Monday [through] Friday 6 to 7:30 p.m. Adult lap swim times include Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., and seven days a week, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pool access fees for residents are $4.50 for adults and $1 for children. Swim lessons are available and offered by Portland’s Recreation and Facilities Management Department for ages three and older. People can register for classes at the pool this week or at the Riverton Pool office. For more detailed information about the city’s Aquatic Program visit www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/rec.
asp or call 874-8456. Built in partnership with the Kiwanis Club in the early 1960’s, the L-shaped pool is 25 meters long and has six lanes. Recent upgrades to the facility include a renovation of the pool house and the addition of a children’s splash pad and picnic area.Families can also enjoy two other splash pads located throughout the city. The splash pads at Stone Street Playground and Payson Park Playground offer a fun, free way for the entire family to get wet during hot summer days.

