Splashing Good Times!

By Nancy Reardon
MethuenLife Writer

Whew!!!! July was a HOT ONE, with many scorching days of 90-plus degrees. But residents and day-campers had a splashing good time, with several ways to cool off.

The Gill Avenue splash pad was a great place for kids and their grown-ups to cool off during those steamy days. Hours are 10am-7pm daily, but check with the Recreation Department in case of inclement weather.

During last month’s heat waves, a new addition to the summer camp programs at the Marsh School and CGS was a fun water spray from the hydrants. From 10am until noon, a large hose was connected to the hydrant spraying water up to 10 feet in the air. MethuenLife saw children have a blast running through the cool water. Kona Ice also made a special visit, courtesy of the

Recreation Department, at all the camp programs.

Forest Lake, the hidden gem in the city, proves to be one of the best places to go for a day of lake fun and have a nice cookout on one of several grills available to Methuen residents. It’s open daily, 10am-7pm for $10 per day per vehicle. Details available at cityofmethuen.net’s Parks and Recreation page.

: Field Trip Day for campers at the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood took place at super-sunny Forest Lake. MethuenLife photos by Nancy Reardon

: As a special treat on an extra-hot day, the Recreation Department had a Kona Ice truck visit all of the city’s summer camp programs. Here, the children at the Gill Avenue Park enjoy a sweet icy treat.

: The splash pad at the Gill Avenue Park was filled with excited children during one of last month’s 90-plus-degree days. Here, brothers Ethan Rivera, 12, and Eli, 7, enjoyed taking their little sister Octavia, 1, through the water works.