As Memorial Day nears, the weekend leading to the holiday is filled with various summer activities.

The Russell Sims Aquatic Center at Preston Miller Park off Veterans Memorial Lane is slated to open its doors to the public Saturday, marking the beginning of its summer season.

“We have (been) prepping for 10 months since we closed for this day,” said Brent Belcher, recreation division manager for Bowling Green Parks and Recreation. “We expect nothing but a great time serving the customers.”

The center will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday for regular hours, which are 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Tuesday and Wednesday the center will operate on half-day schedules, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., because school is still in session and then will go back to regular operation hours Wednesday. On Sundays the center is open from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Belcher said the biggest change is new water lines in the Spray Playground. He said all the water features work better, spray faster and higher. Belcher also said this year, a revised raincheck policy has been developed and will be put into use. The policy allows people to come back that day or any day if the park closes for some reason – such as a thunderstorm – and reopens, he said.

Season passes are $200 for the first four passes, $25 for the fifth and sixth passes and $50 for passes from that point on.

Having a season pass has some perks, including five-minute early entry into park and friends of season pass holders can get in for half-price, Blecher said.

During the season, there will be extended summer swim nights, and during most Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the 50-meter pool will be open for those looking for an aerobic workout – “something to get their hearts going,” he said.

“People will have to check with admissions for those dates,” Belcher added.

In addition to the annual luau on July 11, the center will also host Night of the Pirate on June 20.

“The lights will be on and people will be able to come and enjoy the park at night,” he said. “There will be games and activities, staff in costumes and the park decorated.”

Belcher said throughout the season there will be other activities such as dollar days at the concession stand and family days. Admissions for the center are $8 for adults 18 and up, $5 for 6- to 17-year-olds, $4 for 3- to 5-year-olds and $2 for children 2 years old and under. There are half-price admissions every day after 4 p.m., military discounts, senior citizen discounts and student discounts, he said.

“We try to keep the consumer in mind, keep people coming out as often as they can,” he said. “Our goal is to serve the families of southcentral Kentucky, make sure we’re affordable and offer a clean, safe environment.”

But Russell Sims Aquatic Center isn’t the only place gearing up for a fun-filled weekend. From arts and crafts to nature hikes and live entertainment, this weekend will serve as the official kickoff of the summer season for Barren River Lake State Resort Park.

Lisa Deavers, recreation supervisor for the park, said the weekend will start with a campfire program Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday will feature six or seven activities a day to participate in, she said, and about four or five activities will be offered Monday.

Some of the activities include pottery with Albert Baumann. She said while his lessons are geared toward children, “big kids can play, too.” There will also be live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday.

Dave Stahl will deliver a mix of ’50s, ’60s and ’70s music Saturday while Dave Cottrell will perform magic tricks.

“We encourage everyone to come out,” Deavers said. “It’s our official kickoff to summer.”

— For more information about Russell Sims Aquatic Center, call 393-3271; for more information on Barren River Lake State Resort Park, call (800) 325-0057 or visit www.parks.ky.gov.