It’s about that time of the year when the mercury in thermometers rises ever so high and the air becomes sticky from the humidity. If you’re searching for a way to beat the summer heat, look no further than the Hildred T. Moore Aquatic and Fitness Center.

Operated by the City of Washington Department of Parks and Recreation, the center boasts a six-lane indoor swimming pool, along with a kiddie pool, a fitness room containing free weights and cardio equipment and a classroom area used for birthday parties, as a way to stay active while escaping the brutal heat. The center is offering a special deal for those looking to sign up for membership at the beginning of the summer.

“At this point in time we’re offering our summer membership, which is a three-month membership. If you sign up for the month of June, there’s no $25 application fee. You can sign up for three months for a family for $120,” Kristi Roberson, director of Washington’s parks and recreation department, said. “(Up to) two adults and four dependents living in the same household (can sign up for the family membership).”

And for someone looking to sign up for a summer membership by him or herself, it would cost $90 for the three-month membership. The application fee is also waved for single members who sign up in June. For those not willing to make the commitment to a three month long membership, it’s also possible to use the aquatic center by paying a $5 daily fee per visit.

Whether you’re a member or not, the center offers several activities to those interested, including swim lessons and a back to school event.

“We’re in the process of registering for our swim lessons. We’re offering two sessions right now, depending on the requests, we may offer a third. And those will be offered throughout the summer months,” Roberson said. “(For the back to school event) the kids will come out and it’s a $5 cover charge. We’ll have some type of snacks there, sometimes we’ll have blow-up amusements on-site, and then we play games with the kids in the pool. It’s just more like a service to parents to bring your kids, something fun to do just before we go back to school.”

Along with swim lessons, the center offers water aerobics and yoga. Both are free for members, and non-members can participate by paying the daily fee or using “punch-card passes, depending on how many visits people are interested in coming to attend,” according to Roberson.

Call the Hildred T. Moore Aquatic and Fitness Center at 252-948-9420 or send emails to aquatic.center@washingtonnc.gov to find out more about rates and signing up for a membership.