Simplified: The city last week announced it'd close pools Aug. 9, and then, hours later, extended the date to Aug. 16. Here's a closer look at how pool closing dates are determined – including challenges with staffing, budget constraints and pool attendance.

Why it matters

  • The pools will stay open later than initially planned this year thanks to a budget increase led by the late Councilor David Barranco, who urged the City Council to support a $75,000 increase to the pools budget for this year.
  • That's enough money to cover pool operations for one week, taking into account the costs of staffing and operating the pools, said Brett Kollars, assistant director for the parks and recreation department.
  • Pools are also closing earlier this year than in the last two years, which Kollars said is in an effort to be respectful of the city's resources – especially as the city is facing more budget cuts in the coming years.
"Pools aren't cheap," Kollars said. "It's our responsibility to be thoughtful with that equation."

So, why do pools close so early this year?

There's a number of reasons that go into deciding when pools close, Kollars said.

  • For one, staffing is a challenge. In early- to mid-August, college students start to head back to school.
  • Additionally, pools tend to see lower attendance in August as the back-to-school season hits, sports begin practice, or folks take a final trip to end the summer.
  • Then, there's the issue of cost. The city spends about $3 million each year on outdoor pools, and recoups only about $525,000 via pool passes, according to city budget documents.

When do the pools close?

Drake Springs and the new McKennan Park wading pool will be open daily until Aug. 16.

Kuehn Park and Laurel Oak will transition to "weekend only" operations on Aug. 10.

Frank Olson and Terrace Park pools will close for the season on Aug. 9.

The annual Swimming Gone to the Dogs event also has news dates, giving residents and their well-behaved, family-friendly dogs one last opportunity to enjoy the pools before the season ends.  

The events will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on: 

  • Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center, 1100 W. Fourth St. 
  • Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Laurel Oak Family Aquatic Center, 3401 E. 49th St. 

What about splash pads?

The Pioneer and Hayward Park splash pads will be open only on Saturdays and Sundays beginning the week of Aug. 23. They'll both also be open for Labor Day and then closed for the season.

The Midco Aquatic Center splash pad will close on Aug. 30.

The Great Plains Zoo splash pad will close Sept. 7 (Labor Day).

The Jacobson Plaza splash pad will close Sept. 20.