Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)’s popular outdoor pools will be open from June 20 to August 22. Pier Pool’s repairs are nearing full completion, with that pool scheduled to reopen for all activities, including swim lessons, on July 14.
PP&R remains committed to maximizing summer access to pools. To support community needs, Pier, Creston, and Peninsula Pools will remain open through September 5, extending swim opportunities for individuals and families into late summer. The other outdoor pools are open through August 22. Three of PP&R’s indoor year-round pools are also open. Mt. Scott Community Center and Pool remains closed for major renovations, expected to reopen in the fall. The bureau is also developing a new, full-service North Portland Aquatic Center.
For information on swim schedules, hours, and locations, visit portland.gov/parks/recreation/swim-schedule.
Safe swimming this summer and beyond – PP&R info page
PP&R has launched a new Safe Swim hub featuring swim safety resources for indoor and outdoor swimmers. This website may be updated as we identify and refine new procedures.
The Parks Levy makes it possible
The 2020 Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy) enables PP&R to provide critical operations, staffing, and programs – keeping swimming pools open and running
The Parks Levy has allowed PP&R to increase staffing for a wide variety of recreation programs, including more swim lessons. The voter-approved levy makes swim activities at all City pools possible, as well as many other popular offerings such as the Summer Free For All program.
Other activities at PP&R pools include:
- Swim lessons
- Open-play swims
- Lap swimming
- Water fitness classes
- Summer swim team
- Junior Lifeguard and Junior Swim Instructor programs
Check the PP&R Aquatics website for more information.
More swim lessons now, more coming
Portland Parks & Recreation is thrilled to offer more swim lessons this year. However, demand still outpaces available space, even with over 8,300 lesson spots this summer (nearly 6,000 more swim lessons offered than in 2022). Families should join waitlists if swim lessons are full. As more staff are hired and trained, the bureau will add more spots for people on the waitlists throughout the summer. Summer registration took place on May 16, with a second session opening for sign-up on June 13. Pool schedules for summer are posted online on the PP&R Aquatics website.
Free Open Play Swim sessions at PP&R pools, part of Summer Free For All
Portland Parks & Recreation’s outdoor pools will offer one free open play swim session each week this summer, in addition to regularly scheduled swim lessons, open play swims, and water fitness classes. These free sessions are part of PP&R’s Summer Free For All programming:
- Creston Pool – Free swim on Mondays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
- Grant Pool – Free swim on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm
- Montavilla Pool – Free swim on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
- Peninsula Pool – Free swim on Tuesdays from 1 pm to 3:45 pm
- Pier Pool – Free swim on Thursdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm*
- Sellwood Pool – Free swim on Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
For full schedules and information for all PP&R pools, please visit portland.gov/parks/recreation/pools.
*Expected to open July 14.
Schools to Pools means success for students
Swimming is a fun way for kids to get exercise and build confidence, and it can also be a lifesaving skill. To help Portland children learn this critical ability, PP&R developed the new Schools to Pools program. Hundreds of second-grade students at some Portland Public Schools (PPS) enrolled in the PP&R program over the winter and spring sessions. Initially, more than 700 students from 14 schools participated, and the bureau plans to expand the program to nearly 3,000 students across the district. Those figures increased to more than 1,300 students from 26 schools during the 2024-2025 PPS school year. PP&R intends to maintain Schools to Pools as a permanent offering. Contact your school administration if you are a PPS parent interested in your school taking part.
Stay cool with park splash pads and fountains
PP&R operates public splash pads and fountains so you and your family can stay cool outdoors across the city. Portland Parks & Recreation has splash pads on now through Labor Day (September 1, 2025) to help Portlanders stay cool as our summers get hotter. You can find a list of PP&R water features to play in, plus hours, locations, and dates of activation at Portland.Gov/Splash.
Access Discount Program
The Parks Levy has allowed PP&R to reduce cost as a barrier for all recreation programming, including swimming. City of Portland residents can register for the Access Discount Program to receive an ongoing discount of up to 90%. The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of enrollment. No proof of income is required.
You can use the Access Discount Program to reduce the price of the following:
- Admission to recreation centers and pools
- Classes, camps, swim lessons, and other registered activities
- Preschool and after-school programs
- Personal training
The income guideline below can help determine if the Access Discount Program is right for you. Access Discount information here: portland.gov/parks/discount.
Source: Portland Parks & Rec