Beat the heat: Indianapolis’ public pools ready for visitors this weekend
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Parks and Recreation Department has announced that the majority of public pools and splash pads in the city will open unofficially this weekend for residents to enjoy, ahead of their formal opening in June for the summer season.
The facilities opening this weekend include Broad Ripple Park, Brookside Park, Frederick Douglass Park, Garfield Park, Indy Island Aquatic Center, Perry Park, Rhodius Park, Riverside Park, and Thatcher Park. Following the weekend, all but Thatcher Park and Indy Island Aquatic Center will temporarily close to facilitate additional lifeguard training. Regular business hours will be maintained at the two operational facilities. The city has increased its lifeguard staff by more than double since last year, now having 170 on duty.
The pools are set to officially open on June 3, including Gustafson Park Pool, situated at 3110 Moller Road. During the summer, these locations will be open Tuesday through Sunday, with varying operational hours.
Access fees to the pool range from $2-5, contingent on the location and the visitor’s age. Regular pool-goers may consider purchasing an Indy Parks Fun Card for $40 per person for individuals aged 3 and above. This provides access to one pool per day for the entire season. The Fun Cards are purchasable at any family center or pool, the Indy Parks’ Customer Service Center at Riverside Park, or online. Detailed information on hours and pricing for each pool is available on the city’s website.
As of May 20, over a dozen city splash pads have been open for the summer. With the exception of four – Arsenal Park, Centennial & Groff, Dan Wakefield, and Windsor Village, which open at 10 a.m. – all operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, Arsenal Park, Haughville Park, Tarkington Park, and Windsor Village are currently closed for maintenance. A map of city splash pads can also be found on the city’s website.
The city is also offering various swimming lessons at select pools this summer. The classes cater to different age groups, such as Parent & Me, Youth, preschool age groups, and swim team. Soon-to-be swimmers can register online. Scholarships are also available and can be inquired about at 317-327-PARK.