Slip Slidin' Away

Winter is slip slidin’ away. With only twelve days left until the spring equinox, sports enthusiasts are hanging up their ice skates - only Taft School in Watertown still offers ice time and it, too, will close its rinks on March 20 - and skiers are savoring their last moments on the slopes. What to do in the remaining weeks until spring weather truly takes hold with its myriad of recreational opportunities?

For many, the answer may be to literally swim into the new season. Yes, the still-icy ponds leave something to be desired, but fortunately the tristate region provides a number of opportunities for indoor aquatic diversions.

A little-known treasure is the Kilpatrick Athletic Center on the grounds of Bard College at Simons Rock, 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington MA which offers a fully-equipped fitness center as well as an eight-lane pool with radiant pool deck heat. “We have kind of been a destination this year with the strange winter weather,” said Steve Hager, office manager and member services. “We are always open to the public, even when there are classes.”

Hager said the public can access the facility by the day for $15, with the price including classes such as the Aqua Blast, which focuses on aerobic endurance; Aqua Sculpt, which uses water resistance to build, tone and sculpt the body, and the Pace Makers Master's Swim Club, a program for those who just like to swim.

In addition, visitors can participate in Water Wellness, a gentle aqua aerobics class held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11AM-noon. “The wellness classes are only $3,” said Hager, “and they are the only classes where people don’t have to buy a day pass.”

The Kilpatrick Athletics Center is open Monday through Friday, 6AM-9PM; and weekends 8 AM-6PM. Day passes for nonmembers are $15 for those 18 years and older, $7.50 for 14-17 years, and $5 for children younger than 13 years. Weekly passes are $50. For further information, visit simons-rock.edu or call 413-528-7777.

The public can also enjoy swimming and aquatic exercises in Canaan, Winsted and Torrington at the local branches of the YMCA. Canaan has a 3.5 to 4-foot deep, four-lane handicap-accessible pool while Torrington and Winsted both have six-lane pools, Winsted’s with a chair lift.

The Canaan pool is located at Geer Village, 77 South Canaan Road, Torrington at 259 Prospect Street, and Winsted at 480 Main Street. All three facilities are open to the public through guest passes that can be purchased up to six times a year for $11 for an adult and $20 for families. There is a pass fee of $5 for children younger than 13 and $8 for those 13-17. Facility and program memberships are available for modest prices for more regular use.

All three facilities offer extensive listings of aquatic classes offered at additional cost, as well as a schedule of family fun times. For schedules and fees go online at All three facilities offer extensive listings of aquatic classes offered at additional cost, as well as a schedule of family fun times. For schedules and fees go online at www.nwcty.org