Video: Aquatic Center Offers More Than a Splash

At the Silliman Aquatic Center, open swim means more than just splashing around.

The City of Newark offers more fun within the George M. Silliman Recreation Complex by hosting themed afternoon activities throughout the week.

The idea behind hosting games during the aquatic center’s open recreation swim hours is to keep families engaged in the center and provide them with ways to win prizes and deals, said Amy Davis, recreation coordinator with the City of Newark.

And it’s even a hit during gloomy weather.

While rain showers dropped into town on June 29, children, teens and adults alike came into the center for a swim. Before heading in, they eagerly took part in Wacky Wednesday by rolling dice and playing blackjack as part of the day's Viva Las Vegas themed games.

Each Wednesday, the employees center the afternoon’s activities around a particular theme. They have also done a spooky Halloween (yes, in the middle of summer) and a Hawaiian luau.

For a better idea of what Wacky Wednesdays are all about, watch the video above.

Throughout the rest of the week, the center offers:

• Monday Madness, where families get a chance to win a coupon from Silliman or a local business
• Tattoo Tuesdays, where children can choose to get a temporary tattoo
• Trivia Thursdays, to test the knowledge of families
• Family Fitness Fridays, where everyone is challenged to complete fitness tests in order to win prizes.

Open Recreation Swim Hours at the aquatic center are:

• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday
• 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday
• 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday
• 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday

The cost is between $5 and $8. Call (510) 578-4620 or click here for more information.  

to read more about other local swim centers.