Have you heard about the new kid on the block? One of the few that have opened this summer season in fact–a brand spanking new swimming pool and water park! It’s about 90 minutes south of Indy, in North Vernon.
Parking & Admission
I took my daughter on the second day of its opening and it was possibly the easiest place I have ever had to find. Keep an eye out as you are driving along US 31, which turns to highway 7, because it just pops up on the left-hand side. There is ample parking for everyone including handicap right outside the pool. Once inside and on the deck, you completely forget about and do not hear the traffic. The daily fee for 2 years of age and under is FREE; 3 years of age and older is $5. Season passes are also available for $50 per person. The pool is also available for rental for birthday parties and group events.
Splash Pad
This place is seriously amazing, it’s small but it has got everything you would want with room still to spare! As we enter, we immediately see the splash pad area with dump buckets, a mini water slide and water sprays. We spent a lot of time trying to time it right so to be under the tipping dump bucket, that is half the fun, right?
Pool
We approached the pool via the beach entry, and it was lovely, not too cold, just refreshing. You know how it is once your arms are under you are set and acclimated. It starts off as a zero depth then slopes down to 3 ft 6 in with a max depth of 5 ft in the lap pool. So, not diving deep, but canon ball deep.
Following on from the beach entry you can make the choice to go to the three-lane lap pool or float down the lazy river to the vortex! The vortex is a part of the lazy river that spins everyone around. The space is quite cozy, so we had to wait our turn whilst other people were having their go. However, waiting in line allowed us to observe how to develop the whirlpool to its best.
Other Pool Features
The pool also has a fast 70 ft slide, a rope walk, and a toddler play area (with a zero depth). There are lifeguards everywhere and are so kind and helpful. My daughter was a little anxious about the rope walk but the lifeguard was there to offer support and words of encouragement so she could be successful.
Pool Deck
At this moment in time the pool deck doesn’t have any deck chairs out due to the COVID-19 social distancing guidance and there are also no lockers to store your belongings so I would urge you to leave valuables at home. You are welcome to leave your belongings on the pool deck or under one of the many large umbrellas. We did just that and I could see my swimming bag the whole time.
Concessions
Should you get peckish the swimming pool has a well-stocked and wide variety of concession selection at really good prices. They had foods like hot dogs, nachos and cheese, candy bars, candy and drinks such as water, Gatorade, and Pepsi products. There are 4 picnic tables for you to use at your leisure.
Restrooms
When it was time to get ready to go home, we grabbed our bits and bobs and headed off to the restrooms/changing rooms. These places are usually dark, dingy, and downright dirty. Not this one, it was bright, lots of space and 3-4 shower/changing rooms. If you are like me, I was so thankful for them as I would rather get changed without running the risk of someone seeing my smalls. There were male changing rooms/restrooms too, but we did not go in there to have a peek. Though, I am assured they are identical to the females.
City Park
Try and leave some time to enjoy the surroundings before you go home. North Vernon’s pool is situated in the City Park which boasts two outdoor play areas, basketball courts, paved walking areas and two big shelters screaming out for birthday parties and social gatherings (within social guidance of course).
One thing I really liked about this pool is that there was only one entrance which served as the exit too, so I did not have to worry about my daughter wandering off in a direction I did not see.
Hours & Location
The pool opened Memorial Day and will close August 6. Though like with all other pools it will close if there is bad weather or a mechanical problem.
Monday-Sunday, Noon-5:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
The splash deck will remain open after hours on Monday-Sunday 6:30-9 pm.
604 N State St, North Vernon, Indiana 47265
Phone: (812) 346-9371
Email: cspeer@northvernon-in.gov
2 thoughts on “North Vernon City Park | Pool and Splash Pad”
Highway 31 doesn’t run through North Vernon. You must be referring to Highway 3/7.
Thank you, I’ve corrected the error.