outdoor pool for kids (Pittsburgh, Washington: YMCA, tornado, live in)

[Swisswoman]

Hi,

we are new to the city and have been to the pool in Highland Park. We really liked it, except for the fact that our kids (1.5 and 3.5) were not allowed to wear their floaters into the pool and therefore can basically not use it. I understand that this a safety measure and don't mean to complain. But does anyone know a pool for small kids with a true toddler pools where they can play?

thanks!

[Hopes]

North Park Pool has a nice toddler pool.

If you live in the city, you're pretty much restricted to City and County pools. Suburban Township pools are only available to residents.

Also look into swimming lessons because your 3.5 year old is old enough to learn how to swim.

[Hopes]

The city of Pittsburgh has infant and toddler swim classes.

Swimming (412) 323-7928 - City of Pittsburgh, PA

You can call that number on to find out which city pools might have toddler pools.

[gg]

Originally Posted by Swisswoman

Hi,

we are new to the city and have been to the pool in Highland Park. We really liked it, except for the fact that our kids (1.5 and 3.5) were not allowed to wear their floaters into the pool and therefore can basically not use it. I understand that this a safety measure and don't mean to complain. But does anyone know a pool for small kids with a true toddler pools where they can play?

thanks!

I am not sure, but there are private pools in your area. Club One which is close by has a pool and is nice and they have a family membership plan. There is a pool in O'Hara Twp.

Community Swim Club :

I think there is a YMCA in East Liberty, but not sure.

Sorry I can't think of anything closer. You being Swiss, I suspect O'Hara would seem pretty far to travel. I have heard the pool is nice, but have never been. I was swimming the the Allegheny River yesterday, but that may not be a good idea for little ones. lol

[Swisswoman]

you can actually swim in the river? Where? I would love to do that!

thanks for your answers Hope and curtis. We have already signed up the kids for swimming classes. But the tip for pool in Northpark is good.

[Hopes]

The Community Swim Club isn't an option for the OP. Letters of recommendation from three existing members are required for joining.

I do NOT recommend swimming in the rivers! People have been getting fingers amputated due to some bacteria they have caught from the rivers. It's a bacteria worse than MRSA. It can't be killed. Amputation is the only treatment that stops the infection. It has been reported to the CDC but it's not public knowledge yet. I wouldn't take the risk swimming in the rivers, especially with children. (I'm not afraid of river swimming in general---I've done it in the past---but I wouldn't do it now.)

If you want to go for a day trip to swim in natural waters, check out the beach at Moraine State Park. It's about an hour away, just past the Butler County border near route 79.

Here are some pictures of it: http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1T4...w=1362&bih=552

[slamont61]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I do NOT recommend swimming in the rivers! People have been getting fingers amputated due to some bacteria they have caught from the rivers. It's a bacteria worse than MRSA. It can't be killed. Amputation is the only treatment that stops the infection. It has been reported to the CDC but it's not public knowledge yet. I wouldn't take the risk swimming in the rivers, especially with children. (I'm not afraid of river swimming in general---I've done it in the past---but I wouldn't do it now.)

Any link to any source related to this? I know there was an infection related to the tornado in MO a while back but that was reported on. It was the same sort of agressive infection w/o a working cure, meaning amputation (if possible) or death.

You would think that the authorities would want to warn the general public to avoid swimming in the rivers if infact this is true.

[gg]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I do NOT recommend swimming in the rivers! People have been getting fingers amputated due to some bacteria they have caught from the rivers. It's a bacteria worse than MRSA. It can't be killed. Amputation is the only treatment that stops the infection. It has been reported to the CDC but it's not public knowledge yet. I wouldn't take the risk swimming in the rivers, especially with children. (I'm not afraid of river swimming in general---I've done it in the past---but I wouldn't do it now.)

My son and I swam in it yesterday and we somehow lived. If you have proof show it. People are in the rivers all the time. Just because so many live these scared sheltered lives, doesn't mean we all fall for this stuff. I find it hard to believe they would let piles of kids swim in the river if it is not safe. Like I said, proof!

I have swum across the Allegheny in Oakmont and have swam around Washington's Landing. There is a Tarzan swing there that I am going off soon, but haven't done it yet. Keep wanting to see someone else do so I know what angle to go. I don't feel the river is a good idea for little kids. Go to Raccoon State Park or Crooked Creek.

[Swisswoman]

I didn't mean to swim in the river with my kids of course. But for myself it would be nice.

Thanks again for the tips, we had been thinking of Rackoon Creek.

[gg]

Originally Posted by Swisswoman

Thanks again for the tips, we had been thinking of Rackoon Creek.

Raccoon is great.

River swimming isn't for everyone. The bottom is sometimes rocky, sometimes muddy etc. It is rocky at the Millvale Riverfront park and you can swim there. You have to walk on the rocks quite a way out to get deep enough, but it is a pretty safe nice area. You can then float down through the canal, but you might see a few row boats. Not a big deal. lol