One of the many great reasons to be an Ardmorian would be that we have one of the Great Deals of the Century: The Ardmore Avenue Pool. This pool, completely renovated in 2004, is large enough to have fun but small enough to be able to spot your young 'un from anywhere you sit.
The entrance is through Vernon Young Park, another gem with a full kids' playground, basketball & tennis courts, a large playing field for baseball, flag football, soccer, etc. and the Ardmore Avenue Community Center. So, if the young un's don't want to swim, they can play too.
When you enter, you pass through either the male or female changing areas complete with lockers and showers as well as restrooms.
There are two pools - a good sized toddler pool with a zero step entry, water spouts and a water mushroom play feature. Maximum depth 18 inches. Then there is the 'larger' pool, also with a zero step entry, a water slide and maximum depth of 5'. Separating the two are a low fence, some bushes, and a shade awning over some grass. Surrounding both pools are picnic tables with umbrellas. Water toys are permitted in the baby pool area. The pools are staffed with lifeguards who change station regularly to stay alert.
There is no snack bar, which is in some ways a blessing (no $9 fries!). Many of the local restaurants deliver 'to the pool', and if you want you can easily leave and walk to many of them too.
Parking? Well, that's the one star off. It's street only, and it can be a bit of a challenge. I don't want them to make a parking lot by any means, but it does take away from the experience. Also, you bring your own chairs, blankets, etc, which can make for a haul. Maybe the Township will get wise and start a business to rent chairs on site (hint, hint).
Now, the thing that makes this really GREAT. The cost to join? For a family of four, residents of the Township, about $70. For the season. Really. Over 65 year old residents are free. Yes, really. That is not a typo. It's under a hundred dollars. A year. Well, a summer. The pool is open Memorial Day - Labor Day. (Residents of Narberth Borough can join but at a higher rate as can a limited number of residents in Ardmore, Haverford Township, again at a higher rate.)
Like I said, one of the Great Deals of the Century. Here in wonderful Ardmore. read more