Splish Splash

Making the most of summer fun.

By Rebecca Calappi

Hot days are cherished here in Michigan. Making summer memories, running through sprinklers and chasing the ice cream truck are all a rite of passage. But how about something with a little splash? Like a splash pad, community pool or even a beach.

Jaclyn Estes is a St. Clair Shores mom to four kids and in the summer, they like to get out and enjoy what Macomb County offers. “We love heading to Lake St. Clair Metropark for the beach and splash pad,” Estes said. “We’re also lucky that our neighborhood  park,  Veterans  Memorial Park, has a splash pad, too. It’s really nice that our area has so many options for families to get off screens and get outside.”

Danielle  Mauter,  chief  of  marketing and communications for Huron-Clinton Metroparks,  said  taking  advantage  of everything the parks have to offer is a great way to enjoy the summer.

“If you’re looking for options to vacation, but  gas  prices  are  challenging,  the Metroparks are a great place to day trip with  family  and  friends,”  she  said. “Metroparks make an affordable option to bring the whole family and experience a nostalgic Michigan summer.”

At Stony Creek Metropark, two beaches and a splash pad make for a fun day out. At Eastwood Beach, there is a giant inflatable waterslide and water enthusiasts can rent peddle boats, paddle boards and more. Be sure to check the Stony Creek Metropark website as these activities have an additional fee beyond general park entry fees.

Plus, with live entertainment programming throughout the summer, families can enjoy a day at the beach, then listen to a concert to close out a day full of making memories. And for the proverbial cherry on top: sweet cold treats such as ice cream are available.

HAVING A SOGGY GOOD TIME

Living with the shores of Lake St. Clair to the east makes finding water pretty easy. But where are all the great spots to let the kids run around and splish, splash? Here’s a comprehensive list of what’s around Macomb County. Please be sure to check websites to see if there are fees, residency requirements or passes needed for entry.

PUBLIC POOLS / AQUATIC CENTERS

FRASER
Somerset Swim Club

HARRISON TOWNSHIP
Lake St. Clair Metropark Pool

MACOMB TOWNSHIP
Macomb Township Aquatics Center

RICHMOND
Beebe Street Park

ST. CLAIR SHORES
Lac Sainte Clair Park

WARREN
Warren Community Center Pool

(PUBLIC ACCESS)

HARRISON TOWNSHIP
Lake St. Clair Metropark Pool

NEW BALTIMORE
Walter and Mary Burke Park Beach

SHELBY TOWNSHIP
Stony Creek Metropark (Eastwood Beach area)

ST. CLAIR SHORES
Veterans Memorial Park Beach

SPLASH PADS

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP
Wayne and Joan Webber Splash Park

CLINTON TOWNSHIP
Civic Center Park Splash Pad

HARRISON TOWNSHIP
Lake St. Clair Metropark Squirt Zone

MACOMB TOWNSHIP
Macomb Township Recreation Center

RICHMOND
Beebe Street Park

SHELBY TOWNSHIP
Chief Gene Shepherd Park Splash Pad
Stony Creek Metropark Spray Area (within Metropark beach area)

STERLING HEIGHTS
Dodge Park Splash Pad

ST. CLAIR SHORES
Veterans Memorial Park Splash Pad

WARREN
City Square Splash Pad