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from CharlottesvilleFamily Sum21 Camp

from CharlottesvilleFamily Sum21 Camp, page 2

July 4th Events

on duty, but for safety, children under 8 must be supervised in the water by an adult. Pool hours are subject to change. Call 434-970-3260 for more information. charlottesville.gov

Onesty Family Aquatic Center

434-295-7532

This facility located in Meade Park offers spray features in the pool, a slide, diving board, lazy river and a zero-depth entry area with play structure for younger kids. Cost: ages 3 and under free; city residents $1–$6; nonresidents $2–$11. **Onesty is currently closed due to staffing constraints, but is working to open soon.

Smith Aquatic & Fitness Center

434-970-3072

Currently closed for renovations but reopening August 1, this 27,000+ sq. ft. indoor facility features a lap pool, diving board, two water slides, zero-depth entry, in-water play structure and lazy river. Cost: ages 3 and under free; city residents $4–$8; nonresidents $5.50–$11.

Washington Park Pool

434-977-2607

This lighted outdoor pool includes lap lanes, a toddler wading area, a mushroom fountain, a spiral slide, zerodepth entry and a bathhouse. Cost: ages 3 and under free; city residents $1–$4; nonresidents $2–$6.

LOCAL LAKES, SWIMMIN’ HOLES & MORE

These three parks—Chris Greene, Mint Springs and Walnut Creek—have sand beaches for freshwater swimming during the summer months (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) with lifeguard protection. Season passes are available. The area also offers two fun swimming holes—Riprap Hollow and Sugar Hollow—alongside popular hiking trails for an old-fashioned dip. (No lifeguards.)

434-296-5844, albemarle.org

Chris Greene Lake

434-296-5844

With 53 water acres and two beach acres, lifeguard, changing rooms and canoe rentals, Chris Greene Lake is a great place to cool off. Fishing and limited boating are also allowed. Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$4.50.

Mint Springs Valley Park

434-296-5844

Located in Crozet, Mint Springs includes eight water acres and one beach acre for swimming, limited boating and fishing. Lifeguards and restrooms are on-site. Swim season is June 17–August 22. Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$4.50.

Riprap Hollow hikingupward.com

A clear, deep-blue swimming hole is your reward for hiking 1.7 miles from the lower trailhead, off Route 612 near Crimora. Refreshingly shaded, this spot offers glimpses of crayfish and salamanders in the shallows. This area is part of the Shenandoah National Park system. Hours: Dawn to dusk. Cost: Free.

Sugar Hollow swimmingholes.org

A short drive out of town near White Hall, this cool river swimming hole offers a refreshing break from the Sugar Hollow trail, with clear water and gentle rapids. Swimming in the reservoir is not allowed. Hours: Dawn to dusk.

Cost: Free.

Walnut Creek Park

434-296-5844

Walnut Creek offers 45 water acres and two beach acres, lifeguard, shelter, restrooms and canoe rentals. Fishing and limited boating are allowed. Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$4.50.

JAMES RIVER WATER FUN

Enjoy water fun on the James River— tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting— in part-day, one-day, two-day and overnight trip options. Tubing departure times are limited. Cost varies.

Howardsville Canoe Livery 434-286-3331

James River Reeling & Rafting

434-286-4386 reelingandrafting.com

James River Runners 434-286-2338, jamesriver.com

Spray Grounds

If swimming isn’t your thing, cool down at a spray ground! Charlottesville Parks & Rec. offers a fun complement to the pools with three city spray grounds, open daily through mid-September. Picnic shelters and playgrounds are nearby! charlottesville.org