John B. Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park/Photo via John B. Kelly Pool’s Facebook page.

As the summer is in full force, here’s information on where in West Philly and vicinity you can find a free outdoor pool or sprayground to cool off. If you know of any other pools/spraygrounds not included in the list please let us know at editor@westphillylocal.com or in the comments below.

Pools

Pool Hours: Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Baker Recreation Facility (Map)
5431-43 Lansdowne Ave.
Phone: 215-685-0261

Cobbs Creek Recreation Facility (Map)
280 Cobbs Creek Parkway
Phone: 215-685-1983

John B. Kelly Pool (Facebook page)
4231 North Concourse Drive (Fairmount Park, by Please Touch Museum)
Phone: 215-685-0174

Kingsessing Recreation Center (Map)
4901 Kingsessing Avenue
Phone: 215-685-2694

Lee Cultural Center Recreation Facility (Map)
4328 Haverford Avenue
Phone: 215-685-7655

Mill Creek Recreation Facility (Map)
743-81 N. 48th Street
Phone: 215-685-0260

Myers Recreation Center (Map)
5800 Chester Avenue
Phone: 215-685-2698

O’Connor Pool (Website, Map)
2601 South Street
Phone: 215-685-6593

Sayre Morris Recreation Center (Map)
5835 Spruce Street
Phone: 215-685-1993

Shepard Recreation Facility (Map)
5700 Haverford Avenue
Phone: 215-685-1992

Tustin Recreation Facility (Map)
5901-29 W. Columbia Avenue
Phone: 215-685-0258

39th & Olive Playground – Mantua (Map)
39th & Olive Streets

Spraygrounds

48th & Woodland Playground (Map)
1414 S 47th Street
Phone: 215-685-2692
Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed on Sunday.

Update (08/08): Charlie is still looking for his forever friend. Please email Don at dkushon@gmail.com for more information.

Charlie is a 1-year-old, handsome, super smart, athletic, water-loving, 60 pound, pit bull terrier mix. He was found hanging out on his own and was brought to the shelter on May 15.

He already knows “sit, down, touch, and watch.” He loves running or hiking in the Wissahickon and if you give him a chance he will dive in the water. He will retrieve sticks and can catch a frisbee. He travels well in the car. He’s very good with other dogs, and his body language stays loose and wiggly when they are around. He did wonderfully in a play group with six dogs. Even though he has a lot of energy he is getting a lot of experience chillin’ with his human friends inside a home.

Since July 1 Charlie has been living in Center City with his pen pal Don who is fostering him. He’s getting a whole new experience now that is way different from life in the shelter. He has a crate that he sleeps in during the night and while Don is away during the day at work. He’s starting to get used to his new routine and becoming more relaxed.

Charlie doesn’t have any problems with food. He gently takes treats when they are given to him. He’s up to date on all his vaccines and he’s even been neutered and microchipped. He has some manners to work on and he’s enrolled in a basic manners class on Thursdays at 6pm that began July 12 and runs for 5 more weeks at a place in Chestnut Hill called Y2K9. Anyone interested in Charlie would be welcome to join him in class.

Some things he needs some help with is wanting to jump on people, being too mouthy and getting overstimulated with larger toys like a soccer ball. These behaviors will definitely improve with training, as his friends at the shelter think. If you are interested in Charlie and have other dogs at home, you can have a meeting with him so you can make sure you all get along. If you have children 8-years-old or younger, bring them to meet him too!

Charlie is looking for his forever friend and can’t wait to meet you. His adoption fee is only $25 and includes his neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. If you think you have a place in your heart for Charlie, please contact his pen pal Don at dkushon@gmail.com and arrange a meeting with him.