How swimming pools and tennis courts can be free: an example of the American capital - ForumDaily
The article has been automatically translated into English by Google Translate from Russian and has not been edited.
Переклад цього матеріалу українською мовою з російської було автоматично здійснено сервісом Google Translate, без подальшого редагування тексту.
Bu məqalə Google Translate servisi vasitəsi ilə avtomatik olaraq rus dilindən azərbaycan dilinə tərcümə olunmuşdur. Bundan sonra mətn redaktə edilməmişdir.

How swimming pools and tennis courts can be free: an example of the American capital

Photo: Maria Moiseeva

Washington is a city through which the policies of the White House, Congress, banks, flow think-tank-s and incredible museums, - surprised me with something else. The city surprised me with something I didn’t expect from it at all - sports, especially the free opportunity to play sports.

When I first arrived in Washington, the first thing I noticed was that many were running! You walk around Congress or the White House, or the Washington Monument, and they run around you. In the morning and in the evening. In the summer and in the winter. Not only in the parks, but just through the streets. So natural that I also wanted to run.

Running was the first, but not the only sports idea that surprised me Washington. It was beautiful, because I still plan to start running - from Monday. But the pool, tennis and bike - is another matter.

The pool is fantastic and free

I was shocked when I learned that DC residents can use the pool for free.

I did not expect anything free in America at all, but here the pool is covered, 50-meter, near the house. Dream. And then it turned out that he was not the only one. On the website of the District of Columbia Parks Department, I found at least 11 of such indoor pools and 19 open. They are free for DC residents and non-residents will have to pay.

All I needed to get into the Wilson Aquatic Center, which is located near my home, without having to pay anything, was an ID with my address showing that I am a resident of Washington, D.C. as well as a photo on the document that confirms that I am me. And no certificates from the doctor stating that the patient is healthy and can go to the pool.

I came. Changing rooms and showers are modern, clean, there was even gel in the shower. And then he - the pool, but still not one!

Photo: Maria Moiseeva

One 50-meter with tracks that are divided by speed - slow, medium speed and for those who swim fast. Another small pool where children swam and held aqua aerobics classes. And jacuzzi. And all this for free!

Children's vests for swimming. Photo: Maria Moiseeva

And then there was a “squeezer” swimsuit (the name came up with itself, because, excuse me, I saw it for the first time and did not know what to call it)! Near the shower stalls, I saw something that looks like a metal box with a lid.

Photo: Maria Moiseeva

It turned out that this device squeezes out a swimsuit - squeezes very well. In order for the “squeezer” to start working, you need to put a swimsuit in there, press the cover and wait a bit. And ready: swimsuit almost dry!

Every time I come to the pool, I have two thoughts: 1) it is clear where the taxpayers' money goes, and 2) I really want to believe that there will be such free pools in Ukraine.

Tennis courts - not clay, of course, but free

I never really played tennis, but in Washington, when I noticed the courts not far from my house, I decided that the time had come. Nearby and free is a strong argument.

Photo: Maria Moiseeva

The courts are open to everyone. There are people there, but we haven't had to wait in line yet. The surface is asphalt, a little uneven, but free - this is again an argument.

And to play tennis, my husband and I now ride bicycles.

Bicycles

Unfortunately, there are not as many bicycles in Washington as, for example, in European cities. But anyway, I decided to try it, and it's worth it. For example, biking to Reagan National Airport was a wonderful discovery. A very nice path along the river and then a view of the runway where planes land.

So I fell in love with the bikes.

Of course, this is not all that Washington inspires, and all the possibilities that DC can surprise. There are also many publicly accessible basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, football, and so on. There are many new and beautiful playgrounds.

And a whole bunch of other sports opportunities, free and not, but the main thing is that this city inspires!

The original column is published on the website of the Ukrainian service. "Voices of America". Reprinted with permission of the author and publication.

ForumDaily is not responsible for the content of blogs and may not share the views of the author. If you want to become the author of the column, send your materials to [email protected]

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