INDY PARKS’ POOLS OPEN FOR SUMMER WITH NEW AMENITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS

Indy Parks and Recreation will operate 15 aquatic centers across Indianapolis after a $6.5 million investment for renovations and repairs to fix leaking pools and decaying infrastructure. Pools will open in two waves for the summer season on May 29* and June 5*. Radio Disney’s Move It! Program – an initiative to promote healthy and active lifestyles will be jamming at Sahm Park Aquatic Center May 29, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and Gustafson Park Pool June 5, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

“Last season, Indy Parks’ pools leaked 35 million gallons of water costing city money to operate and address damage from the leaks at the pools. Extensive repairs have brought that number down to nearly zero,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “This investment into the heart of the city is important for the youth of our communities and for generations to come.”

When Indianapolis residents visit Indy Parks’ pools, they will see a transformation designed to give an enhanced experience at each aquatic center. New amenities include shade structures, climbing walls and deck furniture, plus an overall “facelift” with newly painted slide structures, updated bathhouse facilities and additional installations of spray features. These investments were made possible by capital improvement dollars, grant funding, the Lilly Endowment Inc., and new public-private partnerships. Some of the highlights include:

• A new spray feature at Riverside Aquatic Center
• ADA chairs at all aquatic centers
• A three-story tube slide at Sahm Park Aquatic Center
• New spray ground at Gustafson Park Pool
• $75,000 worth of renovations at Martin Luther King Jr. Park Aquatic Center
• Spray ground renovations and new frog slide at Garfield Park
• New penguin slide at Perry Park Pool
• New pool at Bethel Park opening this July
• Fully updated beach house at Eagle Creek Beach
• Plunge Harbor slide and aquatic obstacle course at Eagle Creek Beach
• New deck chairs at all aquatic centers
• New picnic tables at all aquatic centers
• Updated chairs and umbrellas for our life guards


“This is an exciting new decade for Indy Parks’ pools. With the money and partnerships elevating the investment into this valuable infrastructure, we have made a huge leap in the sustainability of our pools by leveraging our public dollars. We are thrilled to have a team of highly-skilled lifeguards and staff readying numerous activities, programs, and additional swim lessons at our pools, and they are ready to make a splash this season with the upgrades,” said Indy Parks’ Director Stuart Lowry.

This year, Indy Parks will open five pools at the Krannert Family Aquatic Center, Northwestway Park, Perry Park, Garfield Park and Sahm Park May 29. The remaining pools will open June 5. Closing dates will be staggered with nine pools closing on August 8 and six pools closing August 1. Admission to Indy Parks pools ranges between $1.50- $5.00 for youth (ages 3-17) and $2.50-$6.00 for adults. Indy Parks will offer Gator Passes that provide a 20% discount off of the regular pool admission rates. These passes can be purchased at the pools. Visit www.aquatics.indyparks.org, call 327-PARK or pick up an Indy Parks Summer Fun Guide for details on hours, amenities and locations for each pool.

Indy Parks’ Aquatic Facilities are staffed by award winning professionally trained lifeguards. Guardians are responsible for supervising their children; Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring a safe environment and reacting to emergency situations.

Spray Grounds
Indy Parks also operates 18 spray grounds, or “spray pools” — a fun and free alternative to cool off on hot summer days. These zero-depth, concrete pads feature water spray and splash features and operate by motion sensors. When activated, a spray feature will run for 3 minutes before turning off. Please note lifeguards are not on duty at spray grounds.


*Pools may not open if air temperature is at least 68* F or lower. Patrons are encouraged to call their local facility directly to confirm hours of operation.