Special to the American Press

Louisiana State Parks kicks off the summer season with swimming pools opening on Memorial Day weekend beginning Saturday, May 25. Additional water fun can be had at water playgrounds and beach swimming areas. Pools will remain open through Monday, May 27, then close Tuesday – Thursday for maintenance before resuming regular schedule of Thursdays – Sundays throughout the summer.

“From Chemin-A-Haut to Grand Isle, Louisiana State Parks’ pools, water playgrounds, and beach swimming areas offer great ways for visitors of all ages to cool off and enjoy the outdoors this summer,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

Pools available for day use are located at the following state parks: Chemin-A-Haut near Bastrop, Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville and North Toledo Bend near Zwolle. Certified lifeguards are on site during pool hours to monitor swimmers. Pool hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are advised to check with the individual parks for specific days and hours of operation as pool schedules are subject to change. August 1 through Labor Day, pools will be open on modified schedules based on lifeguard availability.

Water playgrounds are located at the following state parks: Bogue Chitto near Franklinton, Chicot in Ville Platte, Fontainebleau in Mandeville, Jimmie Davis near Chatham, Lake Bruin in St. Joseph, Palmetto Island near Abbeville, Poverty Point Reservoir in Delhi, St. Bernard in Braithwaite and Tickfaw in Springfield. Water playgrounds are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Designated beach swimming areas are located at the following state parks: Bogue Chitto in Franklinton, Cypremort Point west of Franklin, Fontainebleau in Mandeville, Grand Isle, Jimmie Davis in Chatham, Lake Claiborne in Homer, Poverty Point Reservoir in Delhi and South Toledo Bend near Anacoco. All beach areas are open daily but do not have lifeguard supervision.

Day use pools, water playgrounds, and beach swimming areas are available at no additional charge to overnight and day-use visitors. For a complete list of activities at Louisiana State Parks during the summer months visit LaStateParks.com, or follow Louisiana State Parks on Facebook.