Aquatics

Jump in the water, swim some laps, and float in the lazy river! With both indoor and outdoor pools, the Merriam Community Center offers fun in the water year round. Open swim begins at noon, access to features vary.  See pool schedule below for specific information.

Both indoor and outdoor pools have zero-depth entry. Slides, lazy river, lap swimming, and warm therapy water are available year-round in the indoor pool. The outdoor pool also offers diving boards, a zip line, and other fun water features for the kids from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

 Pool Schedules 

Pool Rules 

  • Shower before you enter the pool. 
  • Proper swimsuit attire is required. (Board Shorts, Swim Trucks, Aquatic or Water Shirt, Standard Bikini, Bathing Suit, Swim Diapers)
  • Swimsuits with metal or plastic zippers, buckles, rivets, buttons, or metal/plastic ornamentation aren’t allowed on the slides.
  • United States Coast Guard approved lifejackets are allowed. No floaties or rafts. 
  • Water features will only be turned on during open swim times.
  • Lifeguards will always be on duty when the pool is open. 
  • The temperature of the therapy pool is 90℉. All other pool areas are kept at 84℉.

 

 Classes and Programs 

100 Mile Swim Club

This program is open to all ages, swim styles and techniques. You'll have a dedicated swim lane when available. By swimming 100 miles within the calendar year, you'll earn a reward while gaining access to a community like yourself. Track your laps with a google form. You're welcome to join the program any time during the year, but we'll refresh the 100 miles and start anew on Labor Day 2023. 100 mile swim club logo

Sign up at the Welcome Desk.

$25/year

Aquatic Programs for Infants and Toddlers

Aqua Toddler / Sensory Time

Mondays-Friday  ▶  10:30-Noon
Ages 0–4 with adult present 
$50 for 10 punches or $90 for 20 punches

1 punch visit = 1 parent and 1 child 
Free for members!

Time specific for families with children sensitive to loud noises or big splashes of water.  During this time, all fountains, slides and water features are turned off.  Children can explore the zero depth, shallow water, and therapy pool without fear of big kids splashing.  This isn't a swim lesson and won't be instructor led.  Parents must be in the water with their children.  

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim

This six-week program teaches infants and toddlers between 6 months and 3 years old to roll over from a face-down or submerged position onto their backs to relax and breathe. Children learn to swim a short distance with their face fully submerged, roll onto their back, float and rest whenever they need to breathe, and fllip back onto their rummy to continue to swim to safety whiile fully clothed. Lessons are 15 minutes, one-on-one, four days a week. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monday - Thursday  ▶ March 27-May 4 ▶ Times Vary ▶  Register

 

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim - Advanced

This program is a continuation of the Infant Aquatics Survival Swim program and teaches the swim-float-swim sequence. Instructor: Mary Jo

Saturdays  ▶ Monthly ▶  11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. ▶  Register 

Monday & Wednesday  ▶ Monthly ▶  4-4:15 pm. ▶ Register

 

 MJ's Kids

Mary Jo Klier works with children specifically focusing on strokes and stroke development.  This punch pass class includes two 15-minute sessions.  The instructor and guardian will determine times and days that work best for them.  

Punch Pass Program ▶ Register at Merriam Community Center Welcome Desk 

2 punches: $50 / 4 punches: $100 / $6 punches: $150 / 8 punches: $200

Youth Aquatic Programs - Youth

Junior Dolphins

This program is designed for students who want to be on the Merriam Dolphins swim team. The ideal student has gone through several rounds of swim lessons and is looking for more of a challenge. Students learn starts, flip turns, and swim team workouts.

Saturdays  ▶ Monthly  ▶  Register

KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics

Children with autism spectrum disorders are taught traditional learn-to-swim methods combined with sensory strategies matched to their unique needs.  University of Kansas Medical Center health professionals teach the swim lessons.  Individual and small-group lessons are available.

Current session is full.  Information regarding new sessions coming soon!

MJ's Kids

Mary Jo Klier works with children specifically focusing on strokes and stroke development.  This punch pass class includes two 15-minute sessions.  The instructor and guardian will determine times and days that work best for them.  

Punch Pass Program ▶ Registration at Merriam Community Center Welcome Desk

2 punches: $50 / 4 punches: $100 / 6 punches $150 / 8 punches: $200

MJ's Spring Swim Clinic

This swim clinic will prepare your child for the summer swim season. The class meets once a week based on age. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monthly  ▶ Sundays ▶  Register

SuperKids

Advanced swimmers learn correct freestyle breathing, streamlines, backstroke, and other swim techniques.  They'll spend 45 minutes on instruction and 15 minutes playing games.  Choose two days per week. 

Monthly  ▶ Register 

Mondays and Wednesdays are 5-6 p.m. / Tuesdays and Thursdays are 4:30-5:30 p.m./ Saturdays are 11 a.m.-Noon

Merriam Dolphins Swim & Dive Teams

Junior Dolphins

This program is designed for students who want to be on the Merriam Dolphins swim team. The ideal student has gone through several rounds of swim lessons and is looking for more of a challenge. Students learn starts, flip turns, and swim team workouts.

Saturdays  ▶ Monthly  ▶  Register 

2023 Dolphin Swim and Dive Team Mandatory parents meeting May 2 at 7 p.m. at the Merriam Community Center.

Additional information will be available in late spring. 

Merriam Dolphins Swim and Dive Team

Be a part of Merriam’s summer swim and dive teams! Athletes can choose to swim only, dive only, or swim and dive for the same fee! Swim caps provided. Athletes will need a blue suit.  Information and schedules are available at Team Unify

Precompetitive Swim

This team is designed for young swimmers who are learning to swim and dive and working on increasing their skills and endurance.  This isn't intended to be swim lessons.  A qualified simmer should be able to swim across the pool for 25 yards.  They don't need to know all four strokes.

Competitive Swim

This team is designed for high-level swimmers who are able to swim 50 yards without stopping and know all four strokes.

Swim Lessons

Swim lessons are all-inclusive and specific for each child’s skill set and include lifesaving and safety techniques. Register your child based on age. For preschool and youth lessons, class levels are used to ensure your child is successful. Children are evaluated at the beginning of each session and placed in the appropriate class level. Children should be able to work with an instructor and participate in swim lessons independently and willingly.

Parent/Child: 6 months–2 years

This lesson is designed as an introduction for parents and children alike. Learn safety tips while your child becomes familiar in the water and picks up basic water movement taught through songs, dances, and other fun forms of teaching. This class takes place in the indoor therapy pool. Parents must be in the water with their children.

Saturdays  ▶ March 18-May 13  ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶ April 3-19  ▶  Register 

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays  ▶ May 1-10  ▶  Register

 

Preschool: 3–5 years old

Your child will learn basic water safety skills while also growing more comfortable in the water. Students will learn how to safely enter and exit the water, blow bubbles underwater, float, kick, and work on arm movements. 

Saturdays  ▶ March 18-May 13  ▶  Register  

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  April 3-19  ▶  Register  

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays  ▶  May 1-10  ▶  Register 

 

Youth: 6– 12 years old

Beginning swimmers are introduced to basic stroke movement and will learn how to be more comfortable in the water.  More advanced swimmers are instructed in stroke technique, endurance, and safety skills.

Saturdays  ▶  March 18-May 13  ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  April 3-19  ▶  Register  

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays  ▶  May 1-10  ▶  Register 

Junior Dolphins

This program is designed for students who want to be on the Merriam Dolphins swim team. The ideal student has gone through several rounds of swim lessons and is looking for more of a challenge. Students learn starts, flip turns, and swim team workouts.

Saturdays  ▶ Monthly  ▶  Register

Adult: 13+ 

Adult lessons are designed to help each participant reach personal goals. Whether you want to be a proficient lap swimmer, learn to float, or acquire water safety skills, instructors will work to ensure your success! 

Private and Semi-Private Lessons

Get four, 30-minute lessons tailored just for you. Available for ages 3 . $90 for private lessons, $80 for semi-private. Call 913-322-5550 for more information. 

Water Fitness

Aqua Flow - a Taijifit Experience Fit Class Pass Logo

Taijifit is a series of slow movements and stretches that flow into the next without pause staying in constant motion connecting mind, body and breath.  Nothing to learn, just follow along.  Water provides a gentle resistance and added balance. Instructor: Kim

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays  ▶ Monthly ▶ 9:50-10:40 a.m.   ▶ Register

 

Aqua Interval Fitness 

This class combines cardio and strength training intervals using noodles and dumbbells at varying intensities. Increase stamina, strength, flexibility, and joint range of motion. Appropriate for all fitness levels; ability to swim not necessary. Water shoes or sneakers are encouraged. Instructor: Maryellen

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶ Monthly ▶ 5:30-6:30 p.m.   ▶   Register

 

 Aqua Tae Kwon Do

Movements in this class are based on Tae Kwon Do and its philosophy to help with elasticity, focus, and energy. Students must be able to move in the pool without assistance. Instructor: Claudia

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶ March 7-30 ▶  12-12:40 p.m  ▶   Register

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶ April 4-27  ▶  12-12:40 p.m  ▶   Register

 

Cardio Splash  Fit Class Pass Logo

This class is full of fun, energy, music, and laughs.  Regardless of your age, size or fitness level, Aqua Zumba enhances your overall fitness as well as improve your stability and balance in and out of the water.  Instructor: Kim

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ▶ Monthly ▶ 9-9:50 a.m.  ▶ Register

 

Phyllis' Water Therapy

This 20-minute therapy session helps relieve pain and activate muscle groups to improve mobility and stability. Instructor: Phyllis

Mondays ▶ Monthly ▶ 1-1:20 p.m.   ▶ Register

Water Aerobics Fit Class Pass Logo

A moderate- to high-intensity class consisting of cardio and toning to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Instructor: Phyllis

Saturdays  ▶ Monthly ▶ 9-9:45 a.m.   ▶ Register

 

Warm Water Therapy

Improve balance, reduce joint stiffness, increase flexibility, and have better overall mobility. This class is held in the warm water therapy pool. Instructor: Bennie

Wednesdays ▶ Monthly ▶ 12:15-1 p.m.  ▶ Register

 

Water Walking/Therapy Exercise  Fit Class Pass Logo

This class is designed to improve your mobility, stability, and flexibility. Instructor: Phyllis

Mondays ▶  Monthly ▶ 12-12:45 p.m.  ▶ Register