Need a Place to Cool Off This Summer? Here Are Some Options

It's been rainy and fairly cool this spring, but let's take a hot and humid trip down memory lane to the summer of 2010.

That particular season was the fourth-warmest in the contiguous United States since the government started keeping track of weather in 1895, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Last July was the third-warmest on record in Connecticut, with Hartford reaching a record-breaking 102 degrees on July 6.

Assuming we're in for another scorcher, here are some options to consider so that you have an outdoor destination for cooling down and splashing around. Click on the links for information about opening dates, membership where applicable, and fees.

AVON

Briarcliff Swim & Recreation Club
107 Craigemore Circle, Avon

This recreational facility for families includes a heated in-ground lap pool, as well as access to Secret Lake for fishing and boating. Membership is seasonal.

Sycamore Hills Recreation Center
635 W. Avon Road, Avon

This 33-acre recreation center includes a town pool. Entry to the pool costs $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Passes can be purchased at the senior center.

Golf Club of Avon
160 Country Club Road, Avon

This private, members-only club has a swimming pool as well as a 27-hole golf course.

CANTON

Mills Pond Park
14 East Hill Road, Canton

This recreation area features a six-lane, Olympic-size swimming pool, and offers group and private Red Cross swimming lessons on weekdays and Saturday mornings during the summer. The pool also hosts the Duskie Dolphins youth swim team.

FARMINGTON

Red Oak Hill Swim & Tennis Club
30 Wakefield Lane, Farmington

This pool club is owned by members and is overseen by a member-elected Board of Governors. It is open during the summer months and offers swimming and tennis lessons, as well as teams in both.

Farmington Farms Tennis & Athletic Club
94 Brickyard Road, Farmington

Indoor and outdoor pools, in addition to a kiddie pool, are available at the club. The pools welcome lap swimmers, water walkers and recreational swimmers.  Swimming lessons are available for children and adults.

SIMSBURY

Hop Meadow Country Club
85 Firetown Road, Simsbury

This members-only private country club has an Olympic size swimming pool with four 25-yard lanes and a diving area. There is a kiddie pool as well.

Simsbury Farms
100 Old Farms Road, Simsbury

Simsbury Farms is the town's largest recreational facility, and it boasts four swimming pools: a 25-yard, eight-lane pool; a 25-by-50-foot training area, a specially designed wading pool, and a separate diving pool.  It is the home of the Simsbury Sprinter swim team.  Season passes are available for both family and individuals and swim lessons are offered.

SOUTHINGTON

Recreation Park
Maxwell Noble Drive, Southington

This municipal park includes a swimming pool.

Veterans Memorial Park
Woodruff Street, Southington

This park is home of the William V. DePaolo Memorial Pool.

WEST HARTFORD/BLOOMFIELD

Municipal pools

(847 South Quaker Lane), (Sheep Hill Drive), (160 Oakwood Ave.) and (567 Fern St.) all have large outdoor swimming pools with swim lessons and hours for public swimming.

Wampanoag Country Club
60 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford

The pool at this members-only private club stays open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and swim lessons are offered.

Hartford Golf Club
134 Norwood Road, West Hartford

The swimming complex at this members-only private club has a six-lane, 25-meter Olympic sized pool, a diving pool, and a kiddy wading pool.

The Swim & Tennis Club
4 Duncaster Road, Bloomfield

The Mandell Jewish Community Center runs this members-only swim and tennis club in Bloomfield. It is open seasonally and has one of the region's largest recreational pools.