It’s officially summer, which means that it’s finally swimming season in Philly! After a couple years of shutdowns and lifeguard shortages due to COVID-19, the city of Philadelphia has worked hard to open 50 of the Parks and Recreation Department’s 63 pools this summer. 

To address the shortage, Parks and Recreation offered complementary lifeguard training, pop-up pool events for teens, and free recertification for current lifeguards.This year, Philly pools have a workforce of about 500 staff members including lifeguards and maintenance workers. 

Philadelphia’s pools began opening on June 21st, 2022. By Independence Day, 26 of the 50 available pools will be open for the summer. All remaining pools will open on a rolling basis until July 15th. Pool opening dates and times are subject to change. Closing dates may vary. Spraygrounds at all Philly pools will be open until Labor Day (Monday, September 5th, 2022).

All public pools in Philly proudly offer free swimming lessons for children and adults. Registration is usually available in-person or on the facility’s website. Some schedules are listed below; others have not yet been released or are not being posted online. For additional information about individual facilities, contact the staff at your neighborhood pool of choice. 

Ready to dive into the season? Here’s a list of all the pools opening in Philly this summer along with some details about their social media, swimming schedules, and offerings for families:

Philly Pools Opening in Summer 2022

Tuesday, June 21st

Fishtown Recreation Center 

Fishtown’s Lederer Pool, affectionately known by members of the community as the “Swimmo,” opened for the first time in six years this summer. After closing in 2016 due to mechanical issues, the pool has been modernized and redesigned to accommodate swimmers. New features include a sprayground, raised pool deck, changing facilities, and public art displays.

The 2022 Lederer Pool Schedule is as follows:

• Free Swim: 12-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, 1-4pm on Monday through Friday
• Camp Swim: 11am-1pm on Monday through Friday
• Swim Team: 4-5pm on Monday through Friday
• Family Swim: 5-7pm on Monday through Friday

The Swimmo is part of the Fishtown Recreation center, which is also home to a playground basketball court, picnic area, and hockey rink. Visit the Fishtown Rec Facebook Page for up-to-date information about the pool, recreation center events, summer camp, and more.

Samuel Recreation Center 

Samuel Recreation Center, formally known as Fox Square, is located in the Port Richmond neighborhood. Many programs for children and adults are available at the center including martial arts, an after school program, total body fitness classes, women’s volleyball, peewee soccer, youth soccer, peewee basketball, basketball, a tot recreational program, summer camp, and swim lessons at the pool. This community pool offers daytime and evening lessons, as well as a swim team and free swimming hours. 

Here is the Samuel Recreation Center Pool Schedule for Summer 2022:

• Free Swim: 1-4pm on Monday through Friday, 12-5pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Senior Swim: 4-5pm on Friday, 6-7pm on Tuesday and Thursday
• Parents & Tots: 12:30-1pm on Monday through Friday
• Family Swim: 5-6pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Adult Swim: 6-7pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Day Camp: 11am-12pm on Monday through Friday
• Swim Team: 4-5pm on Monday through Thursday
• Swim Lessons: 12-12:30 pm on Monday through Friday, 5-6pm on Tuesday and Thursday

Mill Creek Playground

The West Mill Creek Playground site features a recreation building, playground equipment, sports fields, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a pool. The playground also offers a summer camp for kids ages 8-12. This year, summer camp runs from Wednesday, July 6th until Saturday, August 13th. Keep checking the West Mill Creek Playground Facebook page for this summer’s pool schedule and more summer camp information.

Wednesday, June 22nd

Barry Playground

At the Barry Playground pool, members are encouraged to participate in complementary swim lessons offered by their skilled team of lifeguards. Guests 7-16 are also welcome to sign up for the Barry Playground Swim Team, which is also completely free to join. 

Below is the Barry Playground Pool Schedule for Summer 2022:

• Open Swim: 1-4pm on Monday through Friday, 12-3pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Camp Swim: 11am-12pm on Monday through Friday
• Swim Lessons: 12-1pm on Monday through Friday
• Swim Team Practice: 4-5pm on Monday through Friday
• Family Swim: 5-6pm on Monday through Friday, 3-4pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Adult Swim: 6-7pm on Monday through Friday, 4-5pm on Saturday and Sunday

Lawncrest Recreation Center

Part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, the Lawncrest Recreation Center has been renovated to include new pool features, comfortable seating, umbrellas for shading, decorative foliage, and more. The site includes a pool, sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a hockey rink, and a recreation building. The building is made up of a gymnasium, a public computing center, a weight room, and several multipurpose spaces. Lawncrest Recreation Center regularly hosts events, such as movie nights, for the whole family to enjoy. Follow their Facebook page for updates about the rec center’s events, summer camp offerings, swim team, and more. 

The 2022 Lawncrest Recreation Center Pool Schedule is as follows:

• Free Swim: 1-4pm on Monday through Friday, 12-3pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Family Swim: 5-7pm on MWF, 3-5pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Adult Swim: 5-7pm on Tuesday and Thursday 
• Swim Team: 4-5pm on Monday through Friday
• Camp Swim: 11am-12pm on Monday through Friday
• Swim Lessons: 12-1pm on Monday through Friday

Thursday, June 23rd

Kelly Pool

This Olympic-sized pool located in West Fairmount Park, right next to the Please Touch Museum, is surrounded by large trees and a beautiful lawn area. Made to accommodate lap swimmers and those who swim for sport, Kelly Pool has eight spacious lanes. The pool is open for free swimming within their open hours until Tuesday, August 17th.

Vogt Playground

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia project, the 15.8-acre Vogt Playground site features a pool, a hockey rink, basketball courts, sports fields, playground equipment, and a multi-room recreation center with a gymnasium, ceramics room, and community spaces. The pool will be open for the summer until Tuesday, August 17th. Follow the Vogt Playground Facebook Page for up-to-date scheduling information, camp or team sport details, and event announcements.

Here is the 2022 summer schedule for the Vogt Playground Pool:

• Family Swim: 5:30-7pm on Monday through Friday, 12-5pm on Sunday
• Open Swim: 1-4pm on Monday through Friday, 12-3:15pm on Saturday
• Camp Swim: 11am-1pm on Monday through Friday
• Senior Swim: 11am-12:45pm on Monday through Friday
• Tot Swim (5 and under): 12-12:45pm on Monday through Friday
• Swim Lessons: 4-4:30 on Monday through Friday
• Swim Team: 4:30-5:15pm on Monday through Friday
• Adult Swim: 3:30-5pm on Monday through Friday

NOTE: During Tot Swim and Family Swim, there is a limit of 2 children per adult.

Pleasant Playground

Pleasant Playground is a 4.7-acre site with a pool, playground equipment, a ballfield, a volleyball court, two basketball courts, two sports fields, four tennis courts, and a recreation center. The center regularly hosts workshops, classes, and other fun programs for all ages, including Fun Fridays: a monthly family event featuring games, food, arts & crafts, and a Connect 4 tournament (ages 5-15). Visit the Pleasant Playground Facebook page for information about pool hours, Fun Fridays, other events, summer camp, and more. 

Here is the current 2022 pool schedule:

• Open Swim: 1-5pm on Monday through Friday, 12-5pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Camp Swim: 11am-1pm on Monday through Friday
• Family Swim: 5-6pm on Monday through Friday
• Adult Swim: 6-7pm on Monday through Friday

The Pleasant Playground Pool will be open until Saturday, August 14th.

Friday, June 24th

Murphy Recreation Center

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, Murphy Recreation Center is a 4.9-acre park with a pool, playground equipment, a basketball court, sports fields, and a five-room rec center featuring a gymnasium and several multi-purpose rooms. The center offers a variety of classes and leagues, from youth basketball teams to strength training for adults. The pool at Murphy Recreation Center is open until Sunday, August 22nd. 

Mitchell Playground

The Mitchell Playground Pool is open for the summer until Sunday, August 15th. It proudly hosts a day camp, swim team, swim lessons, and designated swimming hours. Follow the Thomas Mitchell Playground Facebook Page for more details about their events and offerings. 

The 2022 Mitchell Playground Pool Schedule is as follows:

• Swim Lessons: 12-1pm on Tuesday & Thursday, 5-6pm on Monday through Thursday
• Open Swim: 1-5pm on Monday through Friday, 2-5pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Family Swim: 6-7pm on Tuesday and Thursday, 12-2pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Day Camp: 11am-12pm on Monday through Friday
• Adult Swim: 6-7pm on Monday and Wednesday
• Tot Swim: 5-6pm on Friday
• Teen Swim: 6-7pm on Friday

NOTE: During Tot Swim and Family Swim, there is a limit of 2 children per adult.

Penrose Playground

Penrose Playground is a 2-acre site with a pool, playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts, and a one-room multi-purpose recreational building that regularly hosts community activities and events. The rec center includes a public computing area and hydration station. The Penrose Playground pool will be open to the public until Wednesday, August 18th. 

Simpson Recreation Center

A staple of the Frankford community, Simpson Recreation Center is a 4.6-acre site that features a pool (open until August 17th), a sprinkler, playground equipment, hockey and soccer court, sports fields, and a multi-purpose building with a gymnasium. The center offers childcare, arts & crafts, free dinners, games and trivia, and many more activities for kids and adults. 

Monday, June 27th

Bridesburg Recreation Center

Bridesburg Recreation Center is a wheelchair accessible facility with an outdoor pool and indoor recreational building. The center offers gymnastics classes, dance lessons, art & crafts, family fun days, a kids’ social club, and more – take a look at their Facebook page for scheduling info. 

Here is the current Bridesburg Recreation Center Pool schedule for 2022:

• Co-Ed Swim: 1-4pm on Monday through Friday, 12-5pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Swim Lessons: 11am-1pm on Monday through Thursday 

Athletic Recreation Center

Another facility that is part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, the Athletic Recreation has recently been updated to include more features and amenities. This 4.7-acre site comes complete with a pool, a sprayground, playground equipment, basketball courts, sports fields, and a six-room recreation building. The recreation building houses an auditorium, a gymnasium, a boxing gym, and a public computing center.

Ford Recreation Center

The Ford Recreation Center Pool, located in the heart of South Philadelphia, is open to the public until Sunday, August 15th.

Tuesday, June 28

Awbury Recreation Center

While this Germantown recreation center is most famous for its on-site Arboretum, Awbury is also home to a pool, a park, and multiple tennis courts. The Awbury Recreation Center and Arboretum regularly hosts bird watching events, Sunday Fundays, and more nature-centered events for the whole family to enjoy. Visit the Arboretum’s Facebook Page for more information.

Jacobs Playground & Pool

Home of the Torresdale Boys Club, Jacobs Playground is a recreation site with an outdoor pool, playground equipment, a baseball diamond, open fields, and an indoor gymnasium. The center hosts soccer, baseball, basketball, softball, and other athletic leagues for children and adults. Visit the Jacobs Playground and Pool Facebook Page for scheduling information and more. 

Swim lesson sign-ups will open in early July. Here is the tentative 2022 pool schedule:

• Family Swim: 4-5pm on Monday through Friday, 12-5 on Saturday and Sunday
• Adult Swim: 6-7pm on Monday through Friday
• Open Swim: 1-4pm on Monday through Friday
• Swim Lessons: 12-1pm on Monday through Friday
• Parent/Tot Swim: 11am-12pm on Monday through Friday
• Swim Team/Lap Swimming: 5-6pm on Monday through Friday

Wednesday, June 29th

Jardel Recreation Center

Serving the Northeast Philadelphia area, Jardel Recreation Center is a 9.6-acre site with an outdoor swimming pool, playground equipment, a hockey court, tennis and basketball courts, sports fields, and a recreational building. The building features a gymnasium with a stage, a weight room, and a multi-purpose room for activities and events. Jardel invites the community to participate in one of their many complementary classes or lessons. Offerings include youth dance, youth gymnastics, adult and youth drama, youth archery, adult and youth art programs (ceramics, glass fusing), summer camp, basketball leagues, and more. Visit Jardel Recreation Center’s Facebook Page for more information about scheduling and sign-ups. 

Marian Anderson Recreation Center 

Another facility that’s part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, the Marian Anderson Recreation Center and its pool have recently been renovated to include comfortable seating, umbrellas for shade, gorgeous foliage, and even more fun programs for all ages. In addition to an outdoor pool (open until Friday, August 20th), the center also has playground equipment, a ball field, batting cages, basketball courts, and a six-room recreational building. The building contains a gymnasium, a boxing gym, a dojo, a computer room, and multipurpose spaces to host dance lessons, meetings, family activities, and more. 

Max Myers Playground

Located in the Castor Gardens area, this 12.4-acre recreation center has an outdoor pool (open until Friday, August 20th), playground equipment, sports fields, a hockey rink, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a four-room building with multipurpose spaces.

Thursday, June 30

Hancock Playground

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, Hancock Playground and its pool (open until Friday, August 20th) recently underwent renovations. This 1.8-acre site has a pool, playground equipment, sports fields, basketball courts, and a one-room recreation building that hosts events and activities for all ages. 

Kendrick Recreation Center

The Kendrick Recreation Center offers art classes, karate, toga, gymnastics, basketball, boxing, a summer camp for kids, and more activities. The facility also hosts meetings for national organizations like Girl Scouts and Girls on the Run. Visit their website for more information.

While the full pool schedule will be available on July 5th, the tentative schedule is as follows:

• Open Swim: 12-3:45pm on Monday through Friday
• Family/Adult Swim: 4-5pm on Monday through Friday

Swim lesson sign-ups at the Kendrick Recreation Center pool will open on July 11th.

Friday, July 1st

Fox Chase Recreation Center

Another facility that’s part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, this 14.1-acre recreation center serves residents of the Fox Chase neighborhood. Fox Chase Recreation Center is home to an outdoor pool (closes on August 14th), a sprinkler, playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, hockey courts, sports fields, and a recreation building. Behind the walls of the three-room building is a computer room, a gymnasium, a weight room, and multipurpose spaces. The recreation center offers activities like gymnastics lessons, dance lessons, a basketball league, and more. Follow the Fox Chase Recreation Center Facebook Page to contact the staff, sign up for a class, and get up-to-date pool announcements.

Saturday, July 2

American Legion Playground

This recreation area has playground equipment, sports fields, and a recreation center. Kids’ summer camp is available – contact the playground for additional information. 

Cione Playground

Located in the neighborhood of Fishtown, Cione Recreation Center is a 4.8-acre site with a pool (closing on Monday, August 16th), playground equipment, a ball field, a hockey rink, a sports field, three basketball courts, and a recreation building. The recreation center offers after-school programs (with arts & crafts and related activities) and a summer camp. They also host regular events for children and families, like the Clay, Play, Read program in partnership with Philly’s own The Clay Studio. Follow the Cione Recreation Center Facebook Page for pool scheduling information and details about upcoming events. 

Mander Playground

Mander Playground is a space for families to enjoy quality programming, a safe environment, and views of the beautiful East Fairmount Park. The site comes complete with a pool (open until Sunday, August 15th), modernized play equipment with a conceptual design, basketball courts, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, a newly-upgraded sprayground, picnic tables, and a recreation building with a craft area & meeting room. The team at Mander Playground offers summer camp, after-school programs, walking clubs, soccer leagues, flag football, cheerleading, dance lessons, and more. The center also regularly hosts special events like movie nights for families – follow their Facebook Page for updates and scheduling information.

Week of July 4th

Hillside Recreation Center

This recreation center in the Roxborough/Manayunk area regularly hosts events (Pickleball Tournaments and an upcoming “Mini Masters” fundraiser) for members of the community. They also offer a summer camp for children ages 6-12 and are currently hiring camp counselors. For more information on upcoming events, visit the Hillside Recreation Center Facebook Page.

Christy Recreation Center

A.W. Christy Recreation Center is a 3.2-acre site with a pool, playground equipment, a basketball court, a tennis court, sports fields, a hydration station, and a recreational building. The four-room building houses a gymnasium, public computing center, and multi-purpose spaces for hosting meetings & events. Visit the recreation center’s Facebook Page for information on their anti-bullying basketball league, watch parties, youth programs, and more. 

J Finnegan Playground

This 17.7-acre site (also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project) is home to a pool, a sprinkler, play equipment, basketball courts, hockey courts, tennis courts, sports fields, and a recreation building. The building contains a multi-purpose room that regularly hosts fundraisers, classes, information sessions, and a variety of activities for both children & adults. Follow the James Finnegan Playground Facebook Page for event updates and scheduling information. 

Northern Liberties Recreation Center

The Northern Liberties Recreation Center comes complete with a pool, playground, and recreation building. The center hosts a variety of programs like summer camp, youth basketball, boxing, clay & ceramics, karate, yoga, and more. The swimming schedule for the pool will be available after Tuesday, July 5th, when the pool officially opens for the summer. Find this schedule and more information on Northern Liberties Recreation Center’s Facebook Page.

Cherashore Playground

The Cherashore Playground, which serves the Olney Community, is also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project. Its 5.2-acre site is home to a pool, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and a three-room building with a computer room & several multipurpose spaces. Cherashore hosts a variety of community events for families and offers programs like summer camp, dance classes, zumba, and more. Visit their Facebook Page for more information. 

CB Moore Recreation Center

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, the Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center serves the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. This 7.3-acre site has a pool, playground equipment, sports fields, track, volleyball, basketball, tennis courts, and a recreational building. Visit the CB Moore Recreation Center Facebook Page for up-to-date information on their events and offerings. 

McVeigh Recreation Center Pool

This 6.3-acre site is also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project. The McVeigh Recreation Center is home to a pool, a play area, sports fields, a hydration station, a hockey rink, basketball courts, and a recreational building with a gymnasium and multi-purpose spaces. They host many events for community members, including job fairs and assistance programs. Follow their Facebook Page for pool scheduling details, event updates, announcements, and more. 

Cobbs Creek Recreation Center 

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, this 851-acre park is home to Philly’s oldest golf course and the Laura Sims Skate House. It also features a pool, track, bocce court, sports fields, a 3.7 mile trail, and a recreational building. In the building is a boxing gym, a gymnasium, and several multipurpose spaces. One of the premiere recreation centers in West Philadelphia, Cobbs Creek hosts a basketball league, a volleyball league, a summer camp, community meetings, exploration events, and more. Visit their Facebook Page for more information. 

Lackman Playground

Lackman Playground is a 11.7-acre recreation center in the Bustleton area of Philadelphia. The site comes with a pool, sprinklers, playground equipment, sports fields, tennis & basketball courts, and a recreational building with multi-purpose spaces. 

Stinger Square 

A staple of the Grays Ferry area for over 100 years, Stinger Square Park is home to a pool, playground equipment, sports fields, and a recreational building. They frequently host events for families and community members. 

O’Connor Pool

The O’Connor Pool is located at Markward Playground, a recreational area that also has playground equipment and an on-site building with several multi-purpose rooms. The playground hosts events such as bingo nights, fundraisers, and more programs for families. 

Sacks Playground

Across the street from Jefferson Square Park, Sacks Playground features play equipment and a public pool. Visit their Facebook Page for details about pool scheduling and upcoming events.

39th & Olive Playground

This recreation center on 39th & Olive streets has a pool, play equipment, & basketball courts.

Lonnie Young Recreation Center

Lonnie Young Recreation Center is a 4.8-acre site with a pool, play equipment, a basketball court, a sports field, two ball fields, and a recreational building. They regularly host workshops, dance classes, cultural activities, martial arts tournaments, and more family events. 

Houseman Recreation Center

This recreation site is home to a pool, playground, and multi-purpose building. Houseman Recreation Center hosts Zumba classes, dance lessons, exercise classes, e-gaming tournaments, community painting and planting days, and more. Follow their Instagram Page for the upcoming pool schedule and up-to-date information about events.

Feltonville Recreation Center

The Feltonville Recreation Center has a pool, play equipment, and a recreational building. 

Shepard Recreation Center

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, Shepard Recreation Center is a 8.2-acre site in the Haddington area. The center has a pool, a sprayground, play equipment, sports fields, basketball courts, a roller rink, and a recreational building with a public computing center & boxing gym. Shepard Recreation Center hosts youth athletics programs, family events, and more programs – follow their Facebook Page for updates and more information. 

Piccoli Playground Pool

Another recreation center that’s part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, Piccoli Playground is a 6-acre site in the Juniata neighborhood. It has a pool, sprinkler, playground equipment, a hockey rink, tennis and basketball courts, and a recreational building with multi-purpose spaces. The building hosts after-school programs, art and dance classes, cooking lessons, and more. 

Francisville Recreation Center 

This 3.7-acre playground has a pool, a ballfield, a sports field, two basketball courts, and recreational building. Follow the Francisville Recreation Center Facebook Page for information about their day camp offerings, pool opening dates, swim lessons, upcoming events, and more. 

Scanlon Recreation Center 

Scanlon Recreation Center is home to both a public pool and outdoor hockey rink. They regularly offer open skating and swimming hours. 

Week of July 11th

Hunting Park Recreation Center

This 5.4-acre recreation site is located within the beautiful Hunting Park. It comes complete with a pool, playground equipment, a soccer court, a track, tennis and basketball courts, sports fields, and a gymnasium inside of the three-room recreation building. Visit Hunting Park Recreation Center’s Facebook Page for details on the pool schedule, summer camp, and more. 

Waterloo Playground

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, Waterloo Playground is a 1-acre site with a pool, play equipment, basketball courts, and a one-room multi-purpose building for hosting events. 

Tustin Recreation Center 

The Tustin Recreation Center is a 4.3-acre site with a pool, playground equipment, sports fields, basketball courts, a hydration station, and a recreational building. Inside the four-room building are a public computing center, a weight room, and several multi-purpose spaces. Follow Tustin Recreation Center’s Facebook page for more updates and information on their offerings. 

FJ Myers Recreation Center

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, the FJ Myers Recreation Center is a 7.6-acre site with a pool, a sprinkler, playground equipment, basketball courts, sports fields, and a seven-room recreational building. The building comes complete with a gymnasium, a public computing center, and several multi-purpose rooms for hosting events and meetings. Follow the FJ Myers Recreation Center on Facebook or Instagram for more details and announcements.

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We hope you and your family find the perfect pool to make a splash in this summer! For a list of events to enjoy when you aren’t taking a swim, check out our Philadelphia Family Calendar.