Known to Upper Keys residents simply as the “Pirate Pool,” Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo Park (MM 99.5) was founded in 1998 by Barbara Jacobs. While the facility was still in its early planning stages, project managers weren’t having much luck finding public or private funding. It wasn’t until a fateful day in 1998 after running out of all options, and during a nail appointment that Ms. Jacobs heard about the plans for the pool, and called the project managers asking if $3 million dollars would suffice.
In June of 2002, the pool finally opened to the delight of residents and athletes. Their primary draw in the summer time is the pirate ship, and the small pool for kiddies. The pool is frequented by local families, summer campers, and church groups. During the winter months their focus is lap swimming for both adult and kid’s swim teams. Every winter, mid December through mid January, Jacobs Aquatic Center sponsors winter training for colleges. The high point is January 3rd where they have the Orange Bowl swim meet. (It’s affiliated with the Orange Bowl in Miami and sponsor the big meets for college teams.)
If you’re more of a lover-o’-land, why not continue exploring the adjacent 15-acre Key Largo Park and its impressive amenities. Boasting 11 picnic tables, eight pavilions, exercise trail, playgrounds, six tennis courts, skate park, three basketball courts, two baseball fields, two handball courts, and two volleyball courts – whatever your land faring pleasure, Key Largo Park is a most gracious host.
The Upper Keys YMCA holds Martial Arts in the park every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. and tennis classes for kids ages 5-18 every Tuesday and Thursday. For more information about the classes call 305-453-3422.
320 Laguna Ave., Key Largo, $10/$12 for adults, $8/$10 for kids, $25 family of four
Key Largo Park
500 Saint Croix Place, Key Largo, free
