YMCA

This is going to sound like a commercial for the YMCA so just be sure, its not.
After living in Springfield (Downtown) for a couple of months, and having my daughter fall into the fountain at the square 3 time I started looking for water elsewhere. I actually sat in my apartment by the window, staring at the 8 ft lighted YMCA banner wondering where i could find affordable training and swimming.
Well, i smartened up and got a $ 50/​monthly full family membership at the ‘Y’ and I have to say its one of the smarter things I have done lately.
Swimming, Basketball, Rock climbing, Soccer, gymnastics, Yoga etc. etc. The ‘Y’ offer it all. You can even get dirt cheap private lessons in almost anything from nursing to Guitar lessons.
The building is old, but the staff is new. And very friendly, consisting of mostly college students, eager to help you with anything.
I personally take my daughter swimming in the Olympic size pool. Where the towels are always clean and free to use, and there is an entire ‘storage shed’ full of toys and ‘learn to swim’ equipment that anyone can use.
In short. Join the YMCA! Your kids will love it, and nothing is more relaxing than 20 minutes in the 105 °F Therapeutic Spa pool after a hard day of ‘chase the daughter.