New options in recreation found in Logan
There is a lot of activity going on behind the fairgrounds now that an outdoor pool and skate park have opened this summer. Swimmers, skateboarders and rollerbladers say they are happy with the new facilities.
The Logan Aquatic Center has had around 500 patrons daily since it opened on Aug. 11. On Labor Day a record 2,900 people attended.
The Aquatic Center boasts a 13-foot diving tank and a 50-meter lap pool, two water slides and a 6-inch kiddy pool.
The different pools make it easy for many activities to be going on at once, said Heidi Knight, Utah State University student and lifeguard.
There is something for everyone at the Aquatic Center, said Brad Taylor, lifeguard.
Lap swimming and water aerobics have been held daily at 6 a.m. The Aquatic Center closed for the season on Saturday and will open again on Memorial Day.
The skate park is located next to the Aquatic Center. Employees at the Logan Parks and Recreation office said it is the largest skate park in Utah.
Jeremy Hyde, a 19-year-old from Providence, said he has been to skate parks throughout the west, and this is the best he has seen. He said the layout makes it easy for a skater to keep a rhythm. Jeremy attributed this to the fact the park was designed by a skateboarder.
The park has a variety of challenges to try. One side is full of areas shaped like big bowls. A skater can cruise up and down the sides of a bowl. The steeper the sides of the bowl, the bigger the challenge.
There are bowls for beginner, intermediate and pro skaters. The other side of the park is designated for street skating. It has rails and a pyramid to make jumps from.
The skaters there vary in experience. Nikki Hulse, a park regular, said she has noticed a seniority among the skateboarders. She said everyone gets out of the way of the best skaters.
Fifteen-year-old Dylan Aller has been skateboarding for three years. He said he is glad to have somewhere to skate.
“I come here so I don’t get arrested,” Aller said.
The park is located on the corner of 500 South and 500 West and is open from dawn to dusk.
For more information about the skate park, contact Loagn Parks and Recreation at 716-9250