MARYSVILLE — Families turned out in numbers for the final free swim night of the spring calendar.

With free swims at the Marysville-Pilchuck pool June 26 and the Marysville YMCA June 27, kids and families beat the heat under the watchful eye of parents and lifeguards.

The offerings were part of the city’s Healthy Communities Project, which launched in April 2006.

“We did three free swims with Marysville-Pilchuck this winter. Then this spring we extended and did three free swims at Marysville-Pilchuck and three at the YMCA as well,” said city recreation coordinator Andrea Kingsford. “It’s been well received. Every swim night we did we had nice attendance.”

While the hectic nature of summer schedules has deterred the city parks department from scheduling more swims, they may return this fall.

In the meantime, there are other ways for families to get involved in fitness- and recreation-oriented activities this summer.

“Coming up, our big one is track and field for everyone. That is four Thursdays nights starting July 23,” Kingsford said.

The meets start at 6 p.m. with participation open to people of all ages. The cost is $3 per competitor at the gate for an unlimited number of events. Track events range from sprints to hurdles to middle distances and a different long-distance race each Thursday. The field competitions include high jump, softball throw and shot put.

“It’s all ages, so you’ll see the littlest tykes running to someone last summer who was in his 70s. It’s just a fun family night,” she added.

The track and stadium stairs at Marysville-Pilchuck are available Monday and Wednesday evenings for community use. In addition, the city offers movies in the park, a series already underway. Concerts in the park starts July 9.

For more information about any of these events, contact the city parks and rec department at 360-363-8400.

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