Mallards once again take up residency at Helena pool ahead of opening

The ducks are back.

A pair of mating mallards have once again taken up spring residency at Last Chance Splash before the waterpark opens to the public next week.

Since at least 2017, the ducks have nested in the shrubs outside the pool to hang out until their ducklings hatch.

A mating pair of mallard ducks float in the clear blue water of the Last Chance Splash pool on June 10 as lifeguards train in the background.

THOM BRIDGE, Independent Record

A 2019 Independent Record story featured the ducks and they have been back every year since.

The pool opens for the season Monday, June 17, and will operate until Aug. 16.

Last Chance Splash summer 2024 hours of operation

Weekday schedule:

Lazy river: Opens for adult water walking only: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Waterpark (slides, lazy river, zero depth and splash deck): 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

50-meter pool and diving tank (deep end with diving board): 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Lap swim: 9:30 a.m. -7 p.m.

Lane availability June and July

Monday and Wednesday:

9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: four lanes

1 p.m.

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