Mavs cool off last days of summer 

It may be the start of fall semester but summer isn’t going away anytime soon. 

Minnesota State’s first day of classes was met with a great heatwave last Monday, making students try their best to stay cool while also navigating their way through MSU’s large campus. 

In an effort to help students drown out the summer heat, the Student Events Team held its annual Maverick Pool Party at Spring Lake Park last Tuesday, filled with swimming, music, games and prizes. There was no cost for MSU students and transportation was provided every 30 minutes from the university and back. 

Special Events Chair Meron Fre said the event has been a tradition for years. 

“They have a big pool and all the fun games they have, like the climbing wall and the slides. That’s the reason why we chose Spring Lake Park,” Fre said. “It took basically a month to plan the whole thing. I think this is one of the bigger events, like Welcome Week basically. It’s hot and it’s about to be fall, so we’re just trying to have students come here.” 

Besides the climbing wall and 30-foot-tall water slides, Spring Lake’s swim facility features volleyball, lily pads, floating islands and a zipline. A foam machine was also featured thanks to the Student Events Team where students had fun with foam within the water, giving out a fun bubble bath vibe. 

Fre notes that with the party’s main attraction being the pool, the team took advantage to organize fun water-filled competitions. 

“We have wall climbing and we’re doing basketball and a water gun competition of whoever knocks down a bunch of cups the fastest,” Fre said. 

And if students wanted to take a break from the pool, they had the chance to participate in bean bag toss, grab a snack at the open concession stand, or just lounge around the pool as Fre mentions the event overall serves as a great opportunity to meet friends and wash off first-day jitters. 

“I think it’s a really good way to meet new people and just get out of your comfort zone. It’s hot and everyone’s swimming. It’s nice to get to know people outside of the school environment. It’s nice to just wash the nerves off,” Fre said. 

Freshman Taylor Schmidt attended the party and agreed that, besides the fun, everyone can either relax or meet new peers. 

“It was fun. It allows you to meet other classmates and it was kind of nice to get a break from school,” Schmidit said. 

For more information on more upcoming events, visit the Student Events Team at mnsu.edu/StudentEventsTeam 

Photo Caption: In an effort to help students drown out the summer heat, the Student Events Team held its annual Maverick Pool Party at Spring Lake Park last Tuesday, filled with swimming, music, games and prizes. (Courtesy/Student Events Team)

Write to Anahi Zuniga at anahi.zuniga@mnsu.edu