Summer Fun in Phoenix

Phoenix Parks and Recreation has some ideas for beating those summer doldrums this year. How about swimming? How about golf? How about Camp Creosote?

Camp Creosote
The North Mountain Visitor Center, 12950 N. Seventh St. (just south of Thunderbird Road), is offering children between the ages of 9 and 12 the opportunity to learn about the Sonoran Desert this summer. Camp Creosote is a day camp program where kids learn about the plants and animals that share the desert with them. They will also experience outdoor survival, camping and the archaeology of the Native American Hohokam. Camp Creosote will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays, June 14 through July 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. Students who successfully fulfill all portions of the summer camp will qualify to attend a weekend camping trip, July 8-9, to Camp Colley in the Payson area. There's a $50 fee. To register for Camp Creosote visit or call the North Mountain Visitor Center at 602-495-5507.

Phoenix Summer Golf Lessons
Youth between the ages of 8 to 17 can hit the greens this summer and register for free golf lessons that will be offered at six city golf courses: Aguila, Cave Creek, Encanto, Maryvale, Palo Verde and Papago. The program is designed to encourage and instruct young golfers of all abilities (beginner, intermediate and advanced) in the game of golf. Qualified golf professionals will provide a fun and enjoyable learning environment designed to stimulate interest in the game. Lessons are free, but advanced golfers will need to pay a $24 fee to cover the cost of a 30-day junior play pass. If needed, equipment will be provided during the lesson.
Session dates are:
Session 1: June 1, Registration begins May 1
Session 2: July 10, Registration begins June 10
To sign-up for this program, complete a registration form at the golf course where lessons will be taken. For additional information call 602-534-9919.

Phoenix Public Pools
Phoenix residents have 29 ways to cool off this summer at 29 Phoenix public pools. Phoenix public pools are a great value – admission is only 50 cents for youth ages 17 and under and for seniors over the age of 50. Admission for adults is $1.50. At certain pools and at certain times, free swimming for kids may be available under the Kool Kids program. Registration for swim classes starts April 29 at noon. General swim classes meet for eight sessions over a two-week period. For the first time, residents can register online for swim classes by going to phoenix.gov/parks and clicking on the Register for Classes and Programs button. For general pool information, residents can call (602) 534-SWIM or visit phoenix.gov/parks.

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