Bloomington, Indiana – With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, Bloomington residents can look forward to cooling off at some of the city’s most popular summer spots. The City of Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department has officially announced that the 2025 season for Bryan Park Pool, Mills Pool, and the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad will begin Saturday, May 24.
The two outdoor pools—Bryan Park Pool, located at 1020 S. Woodlawn Ave., and Mills Pool, at 1100 W. 14th St.—will open their gates for the season at 11 a.m. Saturday. Both facilities will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting, through August 3. Bryan Park Pool will remain open on weekends only beginning August 9, before closing for the season on Labor Day, Monday, September 1.
Admission for each pool is $7 per person. For families and individuals who plan to visit frequently, a season pass option is available for $90. This pass provides unlimited admissions to both Bryan Park Pool and Mills Pool throughout the 2025 season. Additionally, an Economy 20-Punch Pass, priced at $100, offers 20 total entries to either pool and can be used by anyone in a household or group. Season and punch passes can be purchased at either pool.
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Also opening May 24 is the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad, located at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. The spray pad opens at 10 a.m. and operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Unlike the pools, the spray pad is completely free to the public and is a perfect option for families looking for a fun, low-cost way to stay cool in the summer heat.
This year, the City is introducing a special initiative called “Stay Cool Bloomington Days.” In partnership with the City’s Economic and Sustainable Development Department, pool admission will be waived on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays when the projected AccuWeather Real Feel temperature reaches 90 degrees or higher at 2 p.m.
In addition to this weather-based initiative, the city will host an Open Swim Day on Friday, July 4, giving everyone free access to both pools from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For families interested in swim instruction, Bryan Park Pool will offer two three-week sessions of swim lessons this summer. The first session begins June 10, and registration for that session ends on June 4. Lessons are available for a range of skill levels, starting from Guardian and Toddler classes through Level 4 for children ages 6 to 14. Each session costs $65 per participant. Scholarships are available for swim lessons through the Bloomington Parks Foundation to help make lessons accessible for all.
Those who qualify for financial assistance may also apply for pool admission fee waivers. Applications are available online, or families can contact the Parks and Recreation Department directly at 812-349-3700 for help with the process.
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In addition to the pools and spray pad, summer recreation continues indoors at the Frank Southern Center, located at 2100 S. Henderson St. While the ice is removed during the summer months, the center opens its concrete floor for drop-in roller skating during scheduled times. Admission is $10 per person. Skaters must bring their own gear, including roller skates, blades, scooters, skateboards, or wheeled chairs. Motorized devices are not allowed, and skate rentals are not available on-site.
To stay up to date on daily operations, weather-related closures, or emergency updates for any of the aquatic facilities or the Frank Southern Center, residents can call the Splash & Skate Hotline at 812-349-3741.
Whether you’re looking for swim lessons, fun in the sun, or a place to skate on wheels, Bloomington’s summer recreation season offers a little something for everyone. With pools and spray pads opening on May 24, the city is ready to help the community cool off, stay active, and enjoy a safe and refreshing summer.
