Enjoy summer’s end at State Park pools

• By CYNTHIA V. CAMPBELL
• Travel editor
• Published: Jul 25, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Louisiana families start planning in mid-summer for schools starting in August, but summer fun is far from over.  A short trip to a state park swimming pool is an easy, low-cost way to cool off for a day.

To ensure residents and visitors receive certified lifeguard supervision where pools are open through the end of summer, the Office of State Parks adjusts swimming pool schedules throughout the state. Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, who oversees the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said the parks continue to provide swimming opportunities through Labor Day, even though many lifeguards return to school in August. The adjusted schedule ensures plenty of time to swim in a safe environment.

One of the most popular swimming spots in south Louisiana is the wave pool at Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 Westbank Expressway in Westwego, just minutes from downtown New Orleans.

Park Manager Anthony Marange said the large wave pool will hold up to 500 people a day. Entrance to the park is $1 and entrance to the wave pool is $8 per adult (over four feet) tall and $6 per child (under four feet).   

“We sell arm bands at the entrance to the wave pool and they are good for all day,” said Marange. “Come early. We usually sell out by noon or 1 p.m., especially on weekends,” he said.

The wave pool is carefully supervised and behavior and dress rules are posted. Proper dress is required. Males must wear swimwear that is secured at the waist by a draw string. The pool’s depth is zero to 6 feet deep. Waves run for 15 minutes and then the water “rests” for 15 minutes. And there are eight different wave patterns. The park provides tubes and life vests for small children at no extra cost. Also, there’s a concession stand that sells hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks, drinks and water.

“We get a lot of people who come through here, and we do our best to make sure people have a good time,” said Marange.

Starting Aug. 6,  Bayou Segnette’s wave pool and overnight pool will be open Wednesday-Sunday and on Labor Day.

The end of summer schedule for other state park pools includes:

Chicot State Park, Ville Platte,  pool open  Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Labor Day.

St. Bernard, Braithwaite, normal schedule through Labor Day.

Chemin-A-Haut, Bastrop, normal schedule through Aug. 17, then open on weekends only and Labor Day.

Lake Bistineau, Doyline, normal schedule through Labor Day.