For years I’ve heard about the “mudhole”, but honestly, I’ve never checked it out because it just didn’t sound very nice and I certainly didn’t want to let my children soak in it! You may have felt the same way. This year, after some enthusiastic raves from Erica Dial at the Chamber of Commerce, I plan to check it out personally. I’ve heard a lot of good things. This is what I learned…
Stoughton's "Mudhole"
The Mandt Park Pool (a.k.a the “mudhole”) has some shade, some grass, and of course, plenty of sand. There’s a sandy beach and the “pool” has a sandy bottom. Flotation devices ARE allowed and there are community-use sand toys on hand for everyone to enjoy. There are lifeguards and there are roped off areas for non-swimmers. There is a diving board for the bigger kids and adults. It’s relatively warm because it just simply isn’t that large of a body of water–“Warm enough for mom’s to swim in” is what I heard. That sounds pretty good to me! You can carry in your picnic and there is a concession stand on site. There are 2 water slides. Best of all, my “almost swimmers” are allowed to use both slides.
During past summers my family has visited a pool in a nearby community, but honestly, how much fun is a large blue bathtub that doesn’t allow floatation devices, has a slide that my “almost swimmers” aren’t allowed to use, with no beach to play on? Having a slide they can’t use is like displaying a plate of cookies they aren’t allowed to eat. I can’t do it to them again this year. My family is going to try out the Mandt Park Pool and will likely get a family pass. I would urge you to do the same. The prices are reasonable ranging from as low as $1.65 for a day pass to $65 for an all summer family pass (slightly higher for non-residents).
Mandt Park Pool opens June 12. Check back with me after June 12 when I report my personal impressions of the pool. Keep cool and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Is the floation rule new? I’ve been going there with my kids for the last 5 summers, and was pretty sure that they were not allowed. I do recommend it though. We love it! We’ve also stayed until closing and have watched the beach being raked, and the water being tested and treated. It’s all the fun of a real beach, but much much cleaner and safer. If you have kids, and live near by, a summer pass is worth every penny.
Misty…you are right – we checked and the only floatation devices allowed are life preservers. Either way, it’s a great place to take your kids on a hot sunny day!
kids love water slides, they go crazy about it “”