McDowell Mt. Ranch Aquatic Center

Photo by Lisa E White

Photo: http://spa.contactdesigns.com

Summer comes to an end with Labor Day, maybe not in temperatures, but in usage hours of various facilities such as the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center.  Family swim passes end after this long weekend, and MMR Aquatic Center will be closed on Sundays until next summer.  Lap swimming is available Mo-Sa from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. in their eight 25-yard lanes.  Notice the life guard and multiple diving boards on this quiet Friday morning.  The glass art piece is Cactus Mirage by Norie Sato (with architect Phil Weddle), a 30x40' scrim wall made of steel, acrylic, aluminum and thousands of mylar dots all formed to represent the ribs of a cactus.  The wall hides a giant one-tube water slide.  A 600-foot "lazy river" is fun in the summer and available for parties with nearby covered group areas.  A mere $2 gives you access to this facility and the fitness center.  Summer is the best time to enjoy the amenities, but lap swimmers will enjoy the heated pools all year.  See:  MMR Aquatic Center