The natural sound of summer. Yep, summer and its traditional kickoff, Memorial Day, are right around the corner, and water activities are at the heart of the season's fun. Wholesome family fun is as near as the city-run parks in Kings Mountain and Shelby, and their smaller community cousins in towns all around the county. Deep into the youth and adult spring ball leagues, park staffers are also busy getting ready for the June 1 opening of the aquatic center, preparing for summer day camp and scheduling everyone from tots to seniors for swimming lessons. In Kings Mountain, recreation director Tripp Hord and his staff are planning the first full season in the city's new swimming pool, with May 28 slated as the opening day.
Registration is under way now for swimming lessons.
Each city charges nominal fees to use the swimming pools. For free swimming, boating, fishing or just watching the water, the Broad River Greenway is an inviting short drive from anywhere in the county. Neighbor Broad River Adventures rents canoes, inner-tubes and other water equipment for river fun. In neighboring counties, the region is blessed with two North Carolina state parks nearby. South Mountains State Park is close enough for an afternoon picnic, but feels like a world away.