Venture Out: Rosemary Pool Open to All [VIDEO]

In the Venture Out portion of the series, we show you some of the best places you can visit with less than a tank of gas.

With temperatures hitting 100 degrees recently and plenty of summer still to come, many people may be looking for a good place to escape the heat. In Needham, residents and out-of-towners alike can cool off at  for an affordable daily or seasonal rate, with a special admission price after 6:00 p.m.

Located on Rosemary Street, just down the road from the Needham Free Public Library and bordering scenic Rosemary Lake, Rosemary Pool is open to the public seven days of the week from 12:30-7:45 p.m. during the summer season. The 2011 season opened June 20 and runs through Aug. 26. During the final week of the season, Aug. 22-26, the pool will be open from 12:30-5:30 p.m.

The pool features bathrooms, showers, a picnic area and small playground as well as a sandy edge resembling the beach. It ranges from a shallow wading pool to nine feet at its deepest.

Cost of daily admission is $6 per person for Needham residents ages 2-60 and $8 for non-residents. There is also a senior rate ($3 for anyone over age 60) and a reduced rate after 6:00 p.m.—$3/$1.50 for residents and $4/$1.50 for non-residents.

Season passes are also available. For the 2011 season, Needham resident passes cost $210 per family, $105 per individual (ages 2 and up) and $55 per senior resident (ages 60 plus). For non-residents, season passes cost $305 per family, $155 per individual (ages 2 and up and $80 per senior (ages 60 plus). An early bird rate is available for Needham residents only who sign up by the May deadline. (Note: Rates are subject to change each season; current information is available on the Needham Park and Recreation Department Web page at needhamma.gov.)

In case of inclement weather: Rosemary Pool will close if there is thunder and lightning and will remain closed until a half hour after the last thunder is heard. For information about pool closures, sign up for the “Notify Me” system by submitting an e-mail address or phone number via the town Web site.