Gail And Carolyn Shaw Aquatic Center — Attraction in Chehalis

What a treasure to have in Chehalis! Located just off I-5 and right by Penny Park and the outside splashpad (which almost looked as if it was a part of this aquatic center, just on the outside of the fence), this place is awesome! It's relatively small, but absolutely perfect for my toddler son and me. I love that they have different roped off sections to swim in for all ages and abilites to enjoy, and the waterworks equipment in the shallow end is simple but really fun to utilize. The two slides (the blue one is a tunnel slide and the red one is an open top) are well maintained and keep a steady flow for a nice speed down--not too fast and not too slow. The water quality is great; clear blue and not an overwhelming amount of chemicals detected or smelled, and it doesn't dry out your skin or burn your eyes after being in it a short time, either. The temperature is like bath water (or luke warm for those who don't take baths). The facilities are beautiful, modern and spacious and well accommodating to families and people of all generations and types. They offer showers, personal changing rooms, lockers (no locks provided that I know of or saw, but we didn't use a locker) bathroom stalls, sinks and a fair amount of counter space and natural light due to the many windows and building design. There is a family restroom with a changing table. Out by the pool area are nice lounge chairs, chairs and tables with shade tents and/or umbrellas. Also, they allow you to bring in food and beverages so you don't have to leave if and when you get hungry. We were able to eat our snacks right there then jump back in the water. How cool is that? Lastly, the lifeguards there are super chill and relaxed, but alert and respectful. They keep a good watch over the place and do a great job doing it. Luckily, none had to aid in any rescues while we were there, but they reminded people to walk and not swim under the rope or in the no swimming sessions, and not a single one of them were EVER on their phones or appeared distracted or dazing off so that was amazing! Overall, kudos for the win! I will most definitely be back, probably next season though, as the last swim day this year is Sept. 2nd. I'd say go check it out, but I don't want it to be too crowded. ;) Heads Up: I hear they only let a limited number of people in at a time and if you don't get in, you have to wait outside in line until someone leaves. Also, they are only open a few hours each day so plan accordingly. Today was an expectional day to go and experience this...

Fabulous way to spend some quality time with my youngest son. This place is a gem, and we will be back again for sure. Entry is $5 per person, there are two sessions per day to enjoy. If you want to attend both of them, it's an additional $5 per person. Well worth it. The water is WARM! You can also bring in your own food with is such a bonus. Vending machines are available and ice cream bars and popsicles.

The blue slide is for anyone 48" or taller, the blue slide and dive pool requires a swim test, even for adults. Once you pass they keep your results on file and you don't have to do it again. Lots of area in the more shallow side of the pool, 4ft depth. The water spray side is fabulous for all ages and did I mention WARM water. I can't stress that enough. Even in the 90 degree weather I didn't want cold water, so this was amazing. My son must have gone on the blue slide 60 times in 3 hours. I passed my swim test, tested the diving board out and the red slide.

Locker rooms are plenty spacious and there is a lot of lifeguards all over for safety. Covered area for seating and plenty of lounge chairs. Small parking lot but lots of street parking.

I would advise getting there half an hour early to get in line, to find a prime lounging spot. Chehalis residents get first entry so be prepared for that.

Overall, fabulous time and can't...

NO FUN! We were extremely excited to visit this pool but was super upset and left early. I looked online to see rules & information online besides the price and hours no information really exists. We took pool toys like goggles and dive sticks & our own life vest. First arrive early, we got there 10 mins till the 3-6 session started and there was already a line so max capacity happens fast. Also BRING CHAIRS the availability is slim. The center does have some life jackets available for use. Make sure your preschooler also has read the turtle slide rules in the kiddie pool. The "big" pool itself has no real stairs into it just some ladder steps on one side. However don't jump into the pool or the lifeguards are on you. Literally sit in & cool off only. No fun allowed. The girl literally told me no toys when we were playing dive sticks and I asked where it states that? She replied I don't know. It's okay on less busy days but not today. Our final straw was when our 6 year old who's 47 3/4 inches, who went down the blue slide numerous of times that day was denied down by some of the lifeguards some allowed it some didn't, some with a parent & some didn't care. Consistency is key. The facility overall is clean and you can bring food inside, a whole pizza party worth...