All of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s 61 pools will open this summer. Despite a nationwide lifeguard shortage, pools started opening on June 14 and will continue to on a staggered schedule through July. In some areas, pools located near one another will operate on a split schedule to maximize community access. 

 

All public pools in Philly offer free swimming lessons for children and adults and host mandatory lessons for summer campers. Use the Parks & Rec Finder app to find out information about lessons and locate your neighborhood pool.

 

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:

 

Wednesday, June 14

Tiffany Fletcher Pool

743 N. 48th Street, 19139

 

The Tiffany Fletcher Recreation Center was previously known as West Mill Creek and renamed in honor of a pool maintenance worker who was killed last year. It features a recreation building, playground equipment, sports fields, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a pool, and will receive $3 million for ADA accessibility improvements, a computer lab, and a mural depicting Fletcher after the summer season.  

Hunting Park Recreation Center

900 Hunting Park Avenue, 19140

 

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. 

Samuel Recreation Center

3539 Gaul Street, 19134

 

Samuel Recreation Center 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. Check their Facebook page for the schedule. 

Thursday, June 15 

Marian Anderson Recreation Center 

740 S. 17th Street, 19146

 

A facility that’s part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project as well as the Swim Philly program, 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, 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. 

Friday, June 16

Jacobs Playground & Pool

4500 Linden Avenue, 19114

 

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. 

Kelly Pool

4231 Lansdowne Drive, 19131

 

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. 

 

Saturday, June 17

Feltonville Recreation Center

4726-4700 Ella Street, 19120 

 

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

Ford Pool

609 Snyder Avenue, 19148  

 

Ford Pool is located in the heart of South Philadelphia. 

Morris Estate Cultural Center Pool

1610 W. Chelten Avenue, 19126

 

This pool has swim team, family swim, and open swim. Find the schedule on their Facebook page.

Sunday, June 18

Houseman Recreation Center

5091 Summerdale Avenue, 19124   

 

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.

Lackman Playground

1101 Bartlett Street, 19115 

 

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. 

Monday, June 19 

Cione Playground

600 E. Aramingo Avenue, 19125

 

Located in the neighborhood of Fishtown, Cione Recreation Center is a 4.8-acre site with a pool, 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. 

Lawncrest Recreation Center

6000 Rising Sun Avenue, 19111 

 

Part of the Rebuild Philadelphia and Swim Philly 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, including 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. 

Pleasant Playground

6720 Boyer Street, 19119 

 

Also part of the Swim Philly program, Pleasant Pool 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. 

Tuesday, June 20

Bridesburg Recreation Center

4625 Richmond Street, 19137   

 

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. 

Mander Playground

2140 N. 33rd Street, 19121   

 

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, 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.

Mitchell Playground

3700 Whitehall Lane, 19114   

 

The Mitchell Playground Pool 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.

Wednesday, June 21

 

Johnny Sample (Cobbs Creek) Recreation Center

280 Cobbs Creek Parkway, 19139   

 

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. 

Northern Liberties Recreation Center

321 Fairmount Avenue, 19123

 

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. Find the pool schedule and more information on Northern Liberties Recreation Center’s Facebook Page.

Scanlon Recreation Center

1099 E. Tioga Street, 19134   

 

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

 

Thursday, June 22 

American Legion Playground

6201 Torresdale Avenue, 19135   

 

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

Friday, June 23 

Jardel Recreation Center

1400 Cottman Avenue, 19111   

 

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 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. 

Kendrick Recreation Center

5822 Ridge Avenue, 19128   

 

The Kendrick Recreation Center offers art classes, karate, yoga, 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.

Mitchell Playground

3700 Whitehall Lane, 19114

Check the playground’s Facebook page for the pool schedule. 

Saturday, June 24

Francisville Recreation Center 

1737 Francis Street, 19130   

 

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. 

Christy Recreation Center

728 S. 55th Street, 19143

 

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. 

Sunday, June 25

O’Connor Pool

2601 South Street, 19146

 

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. 

Piccoli Playground Pool

1501 E. Bristol Avenue, 19124

 

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. 

Sacks Playground

400 Washington Avenue, 19147

 

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.

Monday, June 26

Athletic Recreation Center

1401 N. 26th Street, 19121

 

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.

Fishtown Recreation Center

1219–25 E. Montgomery Avenue, 19125

 

Fishtown’s Lederer Pool, affectionately known by members of the community as the “Swimmo,” has   been modernized and redesigned to accommodate swimmers. New features include a sprayground, raised pool deck, changing facilities, and public art displays.

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.

Waterloo Playground

2502 N. Howard Street, 19133

 

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. 

 

Tuesday, June 27

C.B. Moore Recreation Center

2551 N. 22nd Street, 19132

 

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 C.B. Moore Recreation Center Facebook Page for up-to-date information on their events and offerings. 

Ridgway Pool

1301 Carpenter Street, 19147

 

This is the first year in three years that Ridgway Pool will open!

Vogt Playground

4131 Unruh Avenue, 19135

 

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. Follow the Vogt Playground Facebook Page for up-to-date scheduling information, camp or team sport details, and event announcements.

Wednesday, June 28

Chew Pool

1800 Washington Avenue, 19146

 

Another Rebuild site, Chew Playground features a pool, basketball court, sports fields, and a community garden.

East Poplar Playground Pool

820 N 8th Street, 19123

 

East Poplar Playground is a 4.8-acre site that features playground equipment, a spray ground, a pool, and sports fields. It also has basketball and tennis courts. A small multipurpose building hosts activities and programming.

Shepard Recreation Center

5700 Haverford Avenue, 19131

 

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. 

Thursday, June 29

J Finnegan Playground

6801 Grovers Avenue, 19142

 

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. 

Lonnie Young Recreation Center

1100 E. Chelten Avenue, 19138

 

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. 

Friday, June 30

Simpson Recreation Center

1010 Arrott Street, 19124

 

A staple of the Frankford community, Simpson Recreation Center is a 4.6-acre site that features a pool, 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. 

Saturday, July 1

Awbury Recreation Center

6101 Ardleigh Street, 19138

 

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.

FJ Myers Recreation Center

5800 Chester Avenue, 19143

 

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.

Hancock Playground

147 Master Street, 19122

 

Also part of the Rebuild Philadelphia Project, Hancock Playground is 1.8-acre site with a pool, playground equipment, sports fields, basketball courts, and a one-room recreation building that hosts events and activities for all ages. 

Sunday, July 2

Barry Playground

1800 Johnston Street, 19145

 

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. 

Cherashore Playground

851–951 W. Olney Avenue, 19120

 

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. 

Monday, July 3

Fox Chase Recreation Center

7901 Ridgeway Street, 19111

 

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, 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.

Lee Pool

4328 Haverford Avenue, 19104

 

Located on the north slope of the West Park ridge, the Lee Cultural Center offers many activities for young people, including a Parks & Recreation swimming pool and summer swimming program. 

Lincoln Pool

3201 Ryan Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19136

 

Owned by the School District of Philadelphia, this is an indoor pool that is open year-round. 

Tuesday, July 4

Butch Ellis Pool (39th & Olive Playground)

 700 N. 39th Street, 19104

 

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

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center

2101-35 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 19121

 

This 5.6-acre recreation site includes a playground, sprinkler, pool, sports fields, basketball courts, and multipurpose building. 

Murphy Recreation Center

300 W. Shunk Street, 19148

 

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. 

Wednesday, July 5

Heitzman Recreation Center

2136 Castor Avenue, 19134

 

This rec center in Harrowgate has a pool, hockey court, play equipment, sports fields, and basketball courts. 

 

After July 5

Amos Pool

1817 N. 16th Street, 19121

Baker Pool

5433 Lansdowne Avenue, 19131

Belfield Pool

2109 W. Chew Avenue, 19138

Cruz Playground

1431 N. 6th Street, 19122

Dendy Pool

1501-39 N. 10th Street, 19122

Gathers Pool

 2501 Diamond Street, 19121

Shuler Pool

3000 N. 27th Street, 19132

Stinger Square

1400 S. 32nd Street, 19146

 

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. 

Tustin Recreation Center

5901 W. Columbia Avenue, 19151

 

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. 

---

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.

 

Lead photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation 

 

This piece was updated by Eleanor Linafelt