Pool party makes a splash with South Jordan families

Recently, a party drew a crowd of more than 200 people to swim in a “deep blue” pool, search for “lost treasure”, and watch a “dive-in movie.”

The Mermaid and Pirate Party, held Jan. 16 at the South Jordan Fitness and Aquatic Center, was an all-ages event sponsored by South Jordan Parks and Recreation Community Services.

South Jordan Fitness and Aquatic Center Recreation Coordinator Janell Durschi said the party was scheduled for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to make the most of a long weekend.

“With it being a holiday, school was out. I thought people might be looking for something fun to do. [The party] was pretty big,” Durtschi said.

The Mermaid and Pirate Party was held from 5 to 8 p.m. and was free to South Jordan Fitness and Aquatic Center members. For all others, tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for youth.

During the event, the pool was opened for swimming and a treasure hunt for gold coins placed at the bottom of the pool for children to collect.

Kids could dive for the treasure and then exchange the loot for prizes, such as beach balls, candy, beaded necklaces, rings pirate-style temporary tattoos and eye-patches, or a rubber ducky.

Prizes and free yogurt were donated by local business Menchies Frozen Yogurt, a regular sponsor of activities at the community center.

In addition, families were invited to watch a screening of the movie “Muppet Treasure Island.”

Durtschi said the pool party activity was one of a series of upcoming events planned for the South Jordan Fitness and Aquatic Center. She said the community should plan to check the recreation center schedule regularly to find more information.

“We’re trying to do an event every month,” Durtschi said.

Upcoming events will be scheduled around weekends and holidays.

The next major party planned is a St. Patrick’s Day event.

On March 17, the South Jordan Fitness and Aquatic Center,10866 South Redwood Road, will host the St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Loot Party.

Durtschi said the upcoming party will offer more swimming, a treasure hunt for the kids and feature the movie “Shrek.” She said the party should be fun for families and offer unique St. Patrick’s Day decorations.

“We’re dying the pool water green,” Durtschi said.