When you live in California’s Central Valley, you are well aware of the extreme weather conditions. In the city that is the heart of the Valley, Modesto, temperatures soar over 80 degrees in seven out of the 12 months of the year. And during recent years, temps have been rising, to 113 degrees in July of 2006 (weather.com). The sweltering summer months are on their way, and finding relief during these hot times can prove tough. Take the kids to one of these local parks that has either a water feature, a pool, or both, to help them cool down, and enjoy in some of the cool fun yourself!
Broadway Park, Turlock, CA
501 North Broadway
Open: 11 am – 8 pm, April 1 – September 30
This new popular water park is free and was the inspiration for Turlock’s second aquatic park, Columbia Park. Broadway Park’s water play area features a textured surface to keep from slipping while running barefoot through hoops that spray water, under buckets, and spouts that shoot up from the ground.
Coffee-Claratina Park, Modesto, CA
4400 Highlights Way
This recently opened park created by the City of Modesto within the last few years includes playground equipment and a smaller water feature.
Columbia Park, Turlock, CA
595 High Street
Open: 11 am – 8 pm, April 1 – September 30
Turlock’s second new large, free water park with animals, tunnels made of tubes, and palm trees that shoot water. Columbia Park is adjacent from the community pool open to children and adults for a fee of $1 per person. Call (209) 668-5590 for more information.
Empire Pool, Empire, CA www.facebook.com/EmpirePool
Open: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:30 -3 pm, 3:15 – 5:45 pm
Monday: 1:30 – 3:30 pm, 3:45 – 5:45 pm
This unique water fun park has a full size pool in addition to a water fun play area. The Stanislaus County Empire Pool offers open swim, swim lessons, swim camp, and swim team. During the summer months, the water play area is open for two separate time sessions, each costing $1 for adults and children alike.
Freedom Park, Modesto, CA
3500 Sharon Avenue
This newly constructed red, white and blue park has a large grass field, basketball courts, and new playground equipment. The water feature at Freedom Park includes several water spouts that shoot up from the ground. Located off of Merle Avenue between Floyd Avenue and Claus Road.
George Rogers Park, Modesto, CA
1650 Hillside Drive
This park is located off of South Santa Cruz Avenue, near Legion Park. This park offers grass fields, a baseball diamond, a covered picnic table area, new playground equipment, and a water feature.
Graceada Park, Modesto, CA
401 Needham Street
Perhaps Modesto’s most famous park, Graceada is home to the Mancini Bowl and summer Concert in the Park. There is a pool and adjacent circular fountain that shoots water from the ground. The pool is open from April through October for swim lessons, Splash pool party rentals, and school use.
Mistlin Sports Park, Ripon, CA
1201 West River Road
Located on W. River Road between Jack Tone Road and N. Ripon Road, this large park has recreation areas for almost every sport, along with a dog park and interactive water feature. Several fountains squirt up from the ground in a linear pattern with differing intensities.
Call (209) 599-2108 for more information.
Sanders Park, Modesto, CA
Kodiak Drive and Litt Road
This newly constructed park pays homage to the Valley’s heritage with historic plaques throughout and includes nods to Modesto’s agricultural background. There is a play tractor and faux bales of hay for kids to play on. Sanders Park also includes a spraying water feature reminiscent of Yosemite’s falls.
Stockard Coffee Park , Modesto, CA
1800 Mable Avenue
This new park features a full basketball court, paved paths around the park for strollers and bikes, playground equipment, covered gazebo picnic area, and a water feature. Located across from Stockard-Coffee Elementary School off of Mable Avenue.
Ustach Park, Modesto, CA
2700 Hillglen Avenue
This newer construction park features large grass fields, playground equipment, swing sets, basketball courts, covered picnic tables, and a water play feature. There are two separate play areas for toddlers and bigger kids, as well as paved walkways throughout the park. Ustach park is located near Ustach Middle School, at the intersection of Hillglen Avenue and Bear Cub Lane in North East Modesto.
Virginia Corridor Trailway, Modesto, CA
Morris Avenue and Virginia Avenue
This tiny but fun water park is located on the newly installed Virginia Trail in Modesto, which, after completion, will run from Needham to Bangs Avenue. This park is located in the College area at the North West corner of Virginia and Morris Avenues. There is a small playground with sand and false climbing rock. The water feature is a Splasher the Frog themed water tower that spouts water at different speeds during the summer months.
Visit Modesto’s Department of Parks and Recreation website
