Summer is coming and Marana Parks & Rec is inviting you to soak in the summer with us. We have a number of great activities for all interest and skill levels, as well as all ages.

“We are very excited about all the water-based activities we have to offer this summer,” said Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “There is something for every age group, including some very special programs.”

Nothing says summer like cooling off in the water. The Heritage River Park Splash Pad opened on April 7, while the pool at Ora Mae Harn Park opens on May 29.

The Marana Pool has seven swim lanes, a diving bay and ramada-style seating. The pool is 25 yards in length and has depths ranging from 3 to 12 feet. Admission is free.

There is a lot of other fun to have at the pool than just going for a swim (but who doesn’t love that?) The Marana Marlins Swim Team practices there. The Marlins are a youth swim team for swimmers 18 years and younger.

Older competitors fear not, we have events for you. Competitors of all ages can compete in our July Aquathons, which combine swimming and running, in a race for all ages.

Do you think you have what it takes to compete against other swimmers in swimming the distance of the Santa Cruz River in Marana? Then the “Swim the Cruz” Swimmer’s Challenge may be for you.

This is a self-paced swim challenge that you can participate in from any pool you'd like, including your own. Compete against yourself and others throughout the summer months, swimming the distance of the Santa Cruz River in Marana and win incentives along the way.

Marana has created a pair of aquatic programs for children with special needs. The Sensory Splash programs at both the splash pad and the pool were designed to provide a safe, positive and exclusive aquatic and social "meet up" experience. The idea was to create an adaptive aquatic experience through planned activities for the participants to enjoy in a welcoming environment.

The Town is offering swimming lessons at the Marana Pool. The lessons are designed to be comprehensive, yet affordable.

“Our philosophy is that kids should be able to go to their neighborhood pool and learn to swim,” said Conroy. “We think this is affordable for everybody in the community to have their kids learn to swim at their neighborhood pool at Ora Mae Harn Park.”

The idea was that affordable, convenient lesson are not only a benefit to parents and young swimmers, but the community as a whole.

“From a safety standpoint, swim lessons help keep the community safer by having children learn at an early age,” said Conroy. “It is a public safety benefit as we give children those tools to protect themselves around water. “

Our great lifeguards help keep the pool safe, and we are offering younger swimmers a chance to get lifeguard training. This is a great way to get the necessary skills to become a Marana lifeguard in the future.

Junior Lifeguarding program is conducted by the American Red Cross. The program is designed to guide youths ages 11-14 to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. The course focuses on building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills of future lifeguards.

The Splash Pad in North Marana has been open since early April and people have been flocking to the splash pad at Gladden Farms Community Park. This facility features a large variety of fun water features appropriate for all ages. Restrooms, shaded seating and drinking fountains are on site.

Later this summer residents will have a second splash pad option. The new splash pad at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park will open, giving Marana residents another aquatic amenity.

“We think the splash pad will provide recreation for thousands of people to cool off this summer in a fun, enjoyable, safe environment,” Conroy said.

The second splash pad will give residents in Southern Marana, specifically those in Continental Ranch and Continental Reserve, a water feature nearby.

“That is a heavily populated area and families and kids in that area have not had an aquatic facility nearby which they can enjoy,” Conroy said. We think the splash pad will provide recreation for thousands of people to cool off this summer in a fun, enjoyable, safe environment.”

Senior water aerobics will return to the pool at Ora Mae Harn Park. The program is offered through the Marana Senior Program, which offers a variety of services and recreation opportunities for active adults ages 50 plus. The program offers both an annual membership for $40, or a four-month membership for $20.

The pool and splash pad will also serve as movie theaters. In June and July our free Dive-in Movies return. On June 16 we will show Despicable Me 3, the latest installment of the misadventures of Gru and his hilarious Minions. On July 21 journey to a galaxy far, far away and join us for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.