Places to Cool Off in the Triangle–pools, splash pads and swimming holes

The weather is heating up, and everyone is looking for a way to cool down.

Unfortunately, it’s tougher this summer to find a place to swim.

Here’s what is open. 

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Swimming Pools and Splash Pads in Raleigh

Starting on July 6th, 2020, seven pools in Raleigh will open with limited capacity. There are additional provisions, as well as some new pricing for 2020, on Raleigh’s pools. More information here.

Before you arrive:

• Please stay home if you are sick.
• Bring a facemask to wear when you are not in the water and social distancing is not
  possible.
• Patrons are highly encouraged to bring your own chair.
• All facilities will have reduced capacity.
• Swim will be limited to 75 minute sessions with specific start times to allow for
  additional cleaning.
• Reserve your space online at reclink.raleighnc.gov (search by pool name) or by phone
• Limited spaces will be reserved for walk-in patrons.

When You Arrive:

• Wellness checks are required prior to admission. During the screening, you will be asked
  a few short questions and a temperature check will be performed using a touchless
  thermometer. If anyone in your household does not clear the screening, no one in the
  group will be allowed to enter.
• All patrons will need to provide contact information, including name and phone number
• You must wear a facemask when you are not in the water and social distancing is not
  possible.

2020 Admission Fees through September 7, 2020:

• Ages 12 & under: $0
• Ages 13 & up: Resident $2 Non-resident: $3
• All existing memberships and punch passes will be extended through September 7, 2020.

Millbrook Exchange Pool
1905 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh
919-996-4130
Will be open for lap swim, water exercise and swim teams only, starting July 6

Optimist Pool
5902 Whittier Drive, Raleigh
919-996-2790
Will be open for lap swim, water exercise and swim teams only, starting July 6

Pullen Aquatic Center
410 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh
919-996-6197
Will be open for lap swim, water exercise and swim teams only, starting July 6

Biltmore Pool
701 Crown Crossing Lane, Raleigh
919-831-6736
Will be open for recreational swimming, starting July 6

This pool includes a baby pool, a lap and recreation main pool, and a 12-foot deep end.  

Lake Johnson Pool
5863 Jaguar Park Drive, Raleigh
919-233-2111
Will be open for recreational swimming, starting July 6

This pool includes a large sprayground, baby pool, and a lap and recreation main pool. 

Longview Pool
321 Bertie Drive, Raleigh
919-831-6343
Will be open for recreational swimming, starting July 6

This pool features a baby pool as well as a lap and recreation main pool. 

Ridge Road Pool
1709 Ridge Road, Raleigh
919-420-2322
Will be open for recreational swimming, starting July 6

This pool features a baby pool, sprayground, a lap and recreation main pool, and a 12-foot deep end.

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center
919-996-5600
5908 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh
Not listed as opening on July 6

Swimming Pools and splash pads elsewhere in Wake County

Holding Park Aquatic Center
133 W. Owen Avenue, Wake Forest
919-435-9560
Resident admission: $1 for ages 2 and under, $4 for ages 3-13, $5 for ages 13-59, $4 for ages 60+
Non-Resident admission: $2 for ages 2 and under, $6 for ages 3-13, $7 for ages 13-59, $6 for ages 60+

Open Swim times are scheduled in three-hour blocks, with one hour in between to allow staff to clean and sanitize the facility, including deck chairs, door handles, hand rails and other high-touch areas.

A maximum of 120 patrons will be allowed inside the facility during each session.

Patrons must register and pay for each session at least two hours in advance.  No walk-ins are allowed.

You’ll find a list of all the guidelines for 2020 here.

This pool features a six lane, 25-yard lap pool, two water slides with a plunge pool, and a children’s pool with water play. 

Taylor Street Park Sprayground
416 North Taylor Street, Wake Forest
919-435-9562
Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free for residents and non-residents
The page for Taylor Street Park Sprayground indicates that it was to open on June 13th and remain open until September 8th. It is open daily in two-hour sessions, and then close for 30 minutes for cleaning. Temporary fencing has been installed around the sprayground to control the entry and exit of visitors, and all people entering the sprayground must be signed in by staff. Seating areas will be marked to ensure proper spacing, and there will be a maximum capacity of 16 people. More information here. 

This sprayground includes 30 different water features, including a bucket trio and water arch. 

Falls Lake State Recreation Area
13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest
All beaches here are temporarily closed.

There are five swim beaches in the recreation area as well as a number of boat ramps, some reserved fro paddlers and non-gasoline powered boats. The Beaverdam access offers a separate and quiet lake impoundment perfect for paddling, fishing, and swimming. 

Triangle Aquatic Center
275 Convention Drive, Cary
Admission: $3.25 for ages 2-17, $5.50 for ages 18-59, $3 for ages 60+
Swimming is limited to participants who wish to exercise. There is no water play time available. You need to sign up to swim. Swim sessions are 40 minutes. Walk-ins are not available. More information here.

This center features year-round aquatic facilities with swim programs for all ages, private lessons, fitness programs, a year-round swim team, and American Red Cross certification courses. 

Jack Smith Park Sprayground
9725 Penny Road, Cary
Admission: Free for residents and non-residents
Temporarily closed.

This splash pad offers seven water features and is designed for ages 12 and under. 

Waverly Place Splash Pad
302 Colonades Way, Cary
Admission: Free for residents and non-residents
Temporarily closed.

This splash pad features jets and a dial system. 

Knightdale Community Pool
202 Milburnie Road, Knightdale
Admission: Free for ages under 1, $2 for ages 1-5, $4 for ages 6-12, $5 for ages 13+ for residents. ($1 more for non-residents)
Late admission: $3 for ages 6 and older, from 5 p.m. to close
Summer passes are also available. 
A limit of 46 people in the pool at a time will be enforced, on a first come, first served basis. Snack bar will be closed. No pool parties. More information on rules and regulations.

This is an outdoor, seasonal pool. 

Fuquay-Varina Splash Pad
900 South Main Street, Fuquay-Varina
Resident admission: Free, but must have a Resident Splash Pad card that can be picked up at the community center. Please bring proof of residency when picking up your card, A new card must be issued each year. 
Non-Resident admission: $2 per person. Free for children under 2. One parent will be admitted without charge. 
Temporarily closed.

A 6,000 square foot pentagon shaped pad with multiple jets of water and more than 35 water features. All children under the age of 13 must have adult supervision. 

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
280 State Park Road, Apex
Admission: $7 per car per day, $5 for ages 62+ and military per car per day
Individual and friends and family annual passes are available. 
Beaches are temporarily closed.

There are seven swim beaches in the recreation area and a number of boating ramps, with some swim areas and ramps reserved for campers. 

Swimming Pools and Splash Pads in Orange County

A.D. Clark Outdoor Pool
Hargraves Center, 216 North Roberson Street, Chapel Hill
No fees.

This 25-meter pool offers zero depth entry, 4 lap lanes, locker rooms, showers, and a family changing area. A.D. Clark Outdoor Pool will reopen on July 6th, 2020. You’ll need to reserve a block of swimming time in advance.

Reservable swim times are available for lap swimming (one lane reservation per week), independent water exercise and recreational swimming (one reservation per week, per household of up to five persons). Reservations can be made online at https://tochaq.getomnify.com, in person, or by calling (919) 968-2816 during business hours. Walk up swimming is not permitted without a reservation in advance.

A staff greeter will welcome guests outside the entrance and perform a brief heath screening and issue lane assignments as well as go over facility procedures and expectations of our guests. Locker rooms will be available, with limited capacity to maintain physical distancing. We encourage guests to arrive in their swimming attire to limit any congregating in the locker room facilities.

Here is some more information that you should know before you go.

Homestead Aquatic Center
300 Aquatic Drive, Chapel Hill
Resident admission: $2 for ages 8 and under, $3 for ages 9-18, $5 for ages 19+
Non-Resident admission: $3 for ages 8 and under, $5 for ages 9-18, $9 for ages 19+
20-visit passes, 6 month passes, and annual passes are also available. 
Temporarily closed.

This center includes a 10 lane 25-yard lap pool, a recreation warm water pool with ramp access, accessible locker rooms, family changing areas, and a meeting room. 

Chapel Hill Community Center Indoor Pool
120 South Estes Drive, Chapel Hill
Resident admission: $2 for ages 8 and under, $3 for ages 9-18, $5 for ages 19+
Non-Resident admission: $3 for ages 8 and under, $5 for ages 9-18, $9 for ages 19+
20-visit passes, 6 month passes, and annual passes are also available. 
Temporarily closed.

This center offers a 6 lane 25-meter indoor pool with zero depth ramp entry, locker rooms, showers, and a family changing area. 

Orange County Sportsplex
101 Meadowlands Drive, Hillsborough
Admission: $5 for ages 12 and under, $6 for ages 13 – 54, $4 for ages 55+
You’ll need to register for your session in advance.

This sportsplex offers a six foot deep competition lap swimming pool, a recreation pool featuring handicap ramp access, and a gated baby pool. 

 

Swimming  in Durham County

All City of Durham pools and spraygrounds are closed for the summer of 2020.

Sennett’s Hole
5101 North Roxboro Road, Durham
Admission: Free for residents and non-residents
Find driving and hiking directions here.
Nothing on the park’s website indicates that access to this swimming hole is closed or restricted. It’s on the Eno River. Once you park in West Point on the Eno Park, you’ll need to hike approximately a 1.75 round trip.

Swimming Pool in Chatham County

Bray Park Aquatic Facility
700 Alston Bridge Road, Siler City
Admission: Free for ages under 2, $5 for ages 3+
There are also individual, couple, and family season passes available. 
Temporarily closed.

This facility offers open swim, swimming lessons, and more. 

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