HIGHLAND – Community members can enjoy a unique New Year’s Eve pool party at Korte Rec Center in Highland.
Kids and families are invited to swim in the heated pool, play games, get their faces painted, bounce in the bounce house, enjoy special NYE concessions, and watch two beach ball drops from 12–4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Tickets are free for Korte Rec Center members or $8 for nonmembers and can be purchased online.
“People have a fun time every time they’re here. That’s important to us,” said Breanna Shimer, who works with Highland’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re super excited to have them. It’s a good time. It’s a good time for the parents. It’s a good time for the kids. Kids come in and they get jazzed up til 4:30 and they swim their little hearts out and jump and play, and then they go home, and they’re usually pretty tuckered out.”
Shimer joked that this arrangement is perfect for caregivers, who can then enjoy their NYE plans later in the night. In the meantime, the family-friendly party at Korte Rec Center is enjoyable for all.
The center will drop beach balls into the pool from the big slide at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Kids are invited to swim or play games in the gym, including basketball and volleyball.
A few Korte employees will provide face-painting. A bounce house will also be available for kids to jump in. An area for younger kids will be sectioned off, complete with a smaller slide and a play feature in the pool.
The New Year’s Eve-themed concessions, including mocktails, are sure to be a hit. The photo prop area allows families to make memories while having fun. The hot tub is off-limits to kids, but adults are encouraged to enjoy it while their kids play.
Shimer noted that the Highland Parks and Rec Department works hard to provide opportunities like this for families and community members. People from across the region are invited to stop by the New Year’s Eve party or check out the other offerings from the Parks and Rec Department.
“Highland and the Parks and Rec team have always been very passionate about giving back to the community and making sure that we provide services that are affordable and cost-effective for the community where they can have fun and do things,” Shimer explained. “This is just one other way that we can reach out and help the community, and it helps bring people in from all over.”
She pointed out that the center and the Parks and Recreation Department are constantly planning events and programs for the community. You’re encouraged to visit the official Korte Rec Center Facebook page or the official Parks and Recreation Department webpage to learn more.
Shimer hopes to see many people come out to the New Year’s Eve party at Korte Recreation Center. For more information about the party, including how to purchase tickets online, visit the official Facebook event page.
“It’s always been a good time. The kids get all jazzed up and excited,” she added. “Our goal is literally to bring the fun to the community and help people just have a place to enjoy coming.”
