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Tuesday, 20 May 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
Memorial Day, May 26, marks the unofficial start of summer and the opening of all the pools at Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers. Whether you're a resident or visiting, there's no better way to kick off the season than by taking a refreshing dip in one of these fantastic pools.
With the pools opening on Memorial Day, Fayettevillians can expect them to be fully operational from Tuesday through Sunday until Labor Day. This gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water and make the most of your summer.
If residents can't wait until Memorial Day to cool down, the good news is that the splash pads are open now! Splash pads are a great way for families to enjoy some water fun without the need for a swimming pool.
The splash pads are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. During school sessions, the operating hours are adjusted at certain locations to accommodate students. Best of all, access to the splash pads is completely free.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is committed to ensuring that all members of the community have access to fun and safe recreational activities. At the Massey Hill Recreation Center Splash Pad, aquatic wheelchairs are available for checkout during center operating hours for onsite usage.
This initiative ensures that participants with mobility needs can enjoy the splash pad just like everyone else, making summer fun inclusive for all.
Splash Pad Locations
• Eastover Community Park, 2721 Ball Park Road, 910-323-0707
• E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School, 4665 Lakewood Drive, 910-433-1435
• Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1600 Purdue Drive, 910-433-1569
• Gray's Creek Park, 5151 Celebration Drive, 910-433-1015
• J.S. Spivey Recreation Center, 500 Fisher Street, 910-433-1572
• Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers Street, 910-433-1568
• Lake Rim Recreation Center, 1455 Hoke Loop Road, 910-433-1175
• Linden Little River Community Park, 5010 Loop Road, 910-980-0119
• Mable C. Smith Park, 1367 Shadbush Lane, 910-433-1547
• Massey Hill Recreation Center, 1612 Camden Road, 910-433-1569
• Myers Recreation Center, 1018 Rochester Drive, 910-433-1570
• Spring Lake Recreation Center, 245 Ruth Street, 910-433-1350
• Wade Community Park, 4060 Church Street, 910-485-3502
• Willie J. Burnette Park (Godwin), 4924 Markham Street, 910-980-1000
FCPR pools will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Keith A. Bates, Sr. Pool has special hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.
For residents, the cost is $3 for ages 12 and under and $4 for ages 13 and up. Non-residents will be charged $6 for ages 12 and under and $8 for ages 13 and up.
Safety is a top priority at all FCPR pools. Only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed in the pools for the safety of all swimmers.
Prohibited items include water wings, inner tubes, rafts, noodles, flotation suits, or any other non-Coast Guard-approved devices.
Pool Locations
• Keith A. Bates, Sr. Pool, 4945 Rosehill Rd, 910-433-1382
This location has a kiddie pool, a larger lap pool with six lanes and a 24-foot enclosed water slide.
• Ronnie "Chase" Chalmers Pool, 1520 Slater Ave, 910-433-1137
This location has a 6-lane lap pool, a wading pool and a water playground area.
• Lake Rim Aquatic Center, 2265 Tar Kiln Dr, 910-433-1456
This location features a wading pool, in-water playground, six lane pool and 18-foot-high water slide.
• Westover Aquatic Center, 266 Bonanza Dr, 910-433-1383
This location has an 8-lane pool, a wading pool, and 12 12-foot-high water slides.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers not only have a number of splash pads and pools, but they also offer some great aquatic programs.
Lifeguard Certification Program
Through a unique program, students aged 15 and older can participate in free lifeguard certification courses. This initiative aims to equip young individuals with essential skills that can lead to rewarding summer jobs and beyond.
Participants will learn a variety of skills, including water rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, and how to use an automated external defibrillator. The course also covers important topics such as pool safety protocols, communication, and teamwork. To gauge readiness, participants must pass a pre-qualifying assessment before enrolling in the course.
Not only does this program offer free training, but it also provides a pathway for employment with the City of Fayetteville. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to gain professional experience, earn money, and contribute to the safety and enjoyment of their community pools and aquatic facilities.
For students, obtaining lifeguard certification can enhance their resumes, open job opportunities, and instill a sense of responsibility and confidence. It is a stepping stone to numerous career paths in recreation, health, and safety industries. For more information, call 910-433-1329.
Swim Camp
These camps are designed to teach basic swimming strokes and increase overall water competency, ensuring that children feel confident and secure in the water.
The swim camps provide a fun learning environment where children can make new friends, build teamwork skills, and enjoy a healthy outdoor activity. With experienced instructors and a well-planned curriculum, parents can rest assured that their children are receiving top-notch training and care.
The swim camps are thoughtfully divided into age groups of 5-10 years and 11-17 years. Younger children can learn the basics in a comfortable setting, while older children can focus on refining their techniques and building endurance.
Each age group is provided with tailored instruction that meets their developmental needs and skill levels. From beginners to advanced swimmers, children will find a program that suits their abilities and helps them progress.
The swim camps run from June to August, with sessions held from Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This schedule allows for consistent practice while leaving plenty of time for other summer activities.
The cost for residents is $120 per camp, while non-residents can join for $240 per camp. For more information call 910-433-1329.
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Wednesday, 14 May 2025
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Written by Dr. Lindsay Whitely
Dear Volunteers and Community Partners,
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible support that surrounds our students and schools each day. Cumberland County Schools is deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our nearly 1,500 Community Partners and more than 9,000 volunteers who have helped us move our mission forward throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
Whether you’ve dedicated a few hours or made a consistent weekly commitment, the time, talents and resources you’ve shared have had a profound impact. From reading with students and leading classroom activities to organizing supply drives, offering professional expertise and showing up at events to cheer our students on – you’ve shown us what it truly means to be a ‘true partner in education.’
This year alone, you’ve provided countless hours of service, and your contributions go far beyond time. You’ve given generously through financial gifts, in-kind donations and personal investments. Thanks to you, our schools have the resources needed to create safe, enriching and nurturing environments for all students. You’ve supported teacher appreciation efforts, hosted family engagement nights, served on advisory councils and spoken at career days. You’ve helped build connections that show our students just how many people believe in their potential.
One area where your impact has been especially visible is in Career and Technical Education. Through job shadowing, internships, mentorships and classroom presentations, you’ve opened doors to real-world learning experiences that inspire students to pursue their goals with purpose. You’ve helped students explore career paths, gain industry certifications and understand the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. Your partnership has truly bridged the gap between education and opportunity.
Your presence matters. Students feel encouraged when they see familiar faces return week after week. Staff feel supported when volunteers show up to lend a hand or brighten the school day. Families feel connected when community partners offer resources and support. The work you do, both behind the scenes and in front of the classroom, does not go unnoticed.
This collective impact reminds us all that it truly takes a village to educate and support every child. The efforts of our volunteers and partners strengthen our schools, empower our educators and help create a brighter future for students across Cumberland County.
As we move into the summer months, we encourage you to take pride in the role you’ve played this year. Because of you, students have learned new skills, gained confidence and built relationships that will carry them forward. You’ve helped lay the foundation for their success – not just academically, but personally and professionally.
And the story doesn’t end here.
Next month, we’ll focus on ways we can continue Keeping Learning Alive throughout the summer. Opportunities for involvement and enrichment don’t stop in June, and with your continued support, we can ensure students stay engaged, curious and ready to start the next school year strong.
For now, we want to extend our sincere thanks to each and every community partner and volunteer who has contributed to our CCS family this year. Your belief in our students and staff fuels the work we do – and we are better together because of you.
Not yet part of the CCS village? We invite you to get involved, make an impact and help shape brighter futures – one student at a time. Visit ceo.ccs.k12.nc.us to discover how
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