Dive Into Family Fun at the Aquatic Center
By CHRIS BARBEE

El Campo offers a year-round aquatics facility like no other from Houston to Corpus Christi, or from Lake Jackson to Austin.

The El Campo Aquatic Center has three pools inside a 150- by 100-foot building. A 20-person hot tub is available for relaxation, or to loosen up tired or injured joints and muscles. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult since the water is kept at a therapeutic 104 degrees.

A recreation pool is a big hit with all ages. The pool has an 85-linear-foot water slide that can pump 600 gallons of water per minute, giving those enjoying it an exciting ride that ends in 4 feet of comfortable 84-degree water.

The biggest hit for young people is the floating bridge, which challenges swimmers to cross without falling into the water.

The zero-depth entry has three water features, including a mushroom, overhead dump buckets and in-floor water jets.

On a prescription basis El Campo Memorial Hospital's physical therapy department uses the recreation pool to help rehabilitate patients.

The 8-lane lap pool is 25 yards long. One end is 4 feet deep, the other is 8 feet. Lane ropes are always out for lap swimmers, but more than half of the lap pool is used for various types of exercise, such as water aerobics.

Water aerobics, swim lessons and other activities are offered to the public and the pool can be leased for parties.

Hours of Operation: The Aquatic Center is currently open six days a week. It is closed on Mondays. Normal hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6-11 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.; Friday, 6-11 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m. Summer hours may be slightly different.

Fees: Children under the age of one, and adults who accompany children to the pool, but who do not swim, are admitted free. Daily admission for adults and children is $5; senior citizen (55-plus) is $3.

Individual monthly membership is currently $18; $15 for senior citizens.

Discounts are given for family and annual memberships and military personnel with I.D.

Additional fees apply for aerobics and swim lessons.

For more information on hours and fees, call 979-543-1468, or go to the Center at the intersection of West Webb and Blossom Meyer streets, between Northside and Myatt Elementary Schools.