City Outdoor Pools Open May 29 for Summer Season

Published on May 13, 2026

The City of Sioux Falls’ outdoor pools will open for the season on Friday, May 29, at 1 p.m., weather permitting. Open swim hours at outdoor pools will run from 1 to 5 p.m., and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Lap swimming and water walking for adults 18 and older will be held at Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center from 11 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The T. Denny Sanford Splash Pad at Jacobson Plaza and the splash pad at the Great Plains Zoo are open. The Hayward Spray Park, Pioneer Spray Park and the Midco Aquatic Center Splash Pad will open May 22, weather permitting. Splash pad hours follow the hours of the parks or facilities where they are located.

"Our pools and splash pads provide aquatic users with safe, affordable opportunities to stay active and enjoy the summer," said Jackie Nelson, recreation manager for the city. "We're looking forward to another great season and encourage residents to explore the many aquatic opportunities available across the city."

As swim season approaches, the city reminds residents about key pool season details.

New Swimming Lessons Lottery

Registration for the first session of summer swimming lessons opens May 19. The city has launched a new lottery system designed to place swimmers into high‑demand classes. Instead of racing to register, participants will rank their preferred class times, and the lottery will assign spots based on those selections.

Participants will choose first, second, and third preferences. After the lottery closes, swimmers will be randomly assigned to classes with available openings. If the first choice is full, the system will attempt to place the participant in their next choice. Anyone not placed in a class will be added to the first‑choice waitlist.

This change is intended to make registration more equitable. The new lottery system will expand the registration window and give each applicant equal odds of being selected.

Residents can sign up for the lottery by visiting siouxfalls.gov/swim-lessons.

Swim Passes

Annual swim passes are on sale now at a variety of price points. Passes may be purchased online, but first‑time buyers and anyone renewing a discounted pass must visit the Midco Aquatic Center or any outdoor aquatic facility except the McKennan Wading Pool. For pricing and additional information, visit siouxfalls.gov/swim-passes.

Swim Attire Policy

Swimmers must wear lined swimsuits with proper coverage. Street clothes are allowed only for patrons who remain dry. The city may approve or deny attire based on safety, sanitation, or modesty. For full aquatics program policies and rules, visit siouxfalls.gov/poolpolicy.

City of Sioux Falls’ Pool and Aquatic Options:

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department operates nine outdoor aquatic facilities, along with the Midco Aquatic Center and the Westside Recreation Center, which provide year‑round indoor aquatic opportunities.

  • Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center, 330 S. Fairfax Ave.
  • Frank Olson Pool, 4101 E. 16th St.
  • Kuehn Pool, 309 S. Kuehn Park Road
  • Laurel Oak Family Aquatic Center, 3401 E. 49th St.
  • Midco Aquatic Center, 1601 S. Western Ave.
  • Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center, 1001 W. Madison St.
  • Westside Recreation Center, 8701 W. 32nd St.
  • Hayward Park Splash Pad, 400 N. Valley View Road
  • McKennan Wading Pool, 1500 S. Third Ave.
  • Pioneer Splash Pad, 1789 E. Pine St.
  • T. Denny Sanford Splash Pad at Jacobson Plaza, 810 N. Phillips Ave.

City Park Finder Map

Residents can locate pools and other aquatic amenities using the Parks Finder Map at siouxfalls.gov/parks-finder.

Parks and Recreation Department Mobile App

The Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation mobile app allows residents to manage memberships, receive real‑time alerts, reserve facilities, and register for programs.

Users can renew pool and aquatics passes, receive weather‑related closure notifications, and view updates on recreation trail maintenance and program changes. The app also enables park shelter reservations, aquatic birthday party bookings, and access to the department’s digital class catalog. The app is available for download on Android and iOS devices.

McKennan Park Wading Pool

The renovated McKennan Park wading pool will open for the summer season with a modern design that meets current safety and accessibility standards. Features include a zero‑depth entry, two slides, multiple play elements, and expanded shaded areas. The project also adds an open turf zone with seating, replacing the former fenced layout.

A new bathhouse includes five restrooms, a concessions area, and an indoor gathering space. The building is designed to complement the neighborhood’s historic character. Admission to the wading pool will be free. The renovation replaces the former pool, which was more than 50 years old.

Kuehn Park Pool Remains Open During Construction

Sioux Falls’ only outdoor aquatic center west of Interstate 29 is set for a major upgrade. The current Kuehn Park pool will remain open during the regular summer swimming season, but the northeast area of the park and the trail loop are closed and will stay closed throughout construction.

The new Kuehn Park Aquatic Center will replace the existing pool, which is more than 40 years old, and will nearly double its capacity to about 700 patrons. When complete, it will be the city’s largest outdoor aquatic center. For more information on the project, visit siouxfalls.gov/kuehnparkaquatics.

For more information on pool hours, swim lessons, passes, and aquatic facilities, visit siouxfalls.gov/aquatics.

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