Columbus’ outdoor pool season is officially back, and this year it comes with a twist: a $3-per-person admission and a firm move to cashless entry, city officials said. After storms pushed back the usual Memorial Day splash, neighborhood pools finally welcomed early-season swimmers across the city, marking the first summer that gate staff will not take cash at the door.
According to the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, open swim now costs $3 per visit, and guests must pay with a credit or debit card or a preloaded digital punch card. The department’s FAQ notes that everyone age 3 and older needs a free Leisure Card to get in and lays out how to load passes online. It also lists pool hours and offers a real-time status feed so residents can check capacity and last-minute closures before heading out.
The City of Columbus said Dodge, Glenwood, Lincoln, and Tuttle pools opened this weekend, with the rest of the system set to switch to full summer hours the following weekend. The staggered rollout followed a weather hiccup over Memorial Day; some pools were originally expected to open May 23 and then reopen from May 30 to 31 before all locations move onto their regular June schedules. City officials also reminded families that hours differ by site and that checking status first can save a wasted trip.
The city reports it is fully staffed this season after earlier shortages, with 147 lifeguards on the roster, The Columbus Dispatch reported. Parks leaders said getting those positions filled this spring helped the department avoid the staffing crunch that had limited hours in past summers, and that coverage was picked up by local outlets ahead of opening weekend.
Not everyone is thrilled about paying more to cool off. Some council members and residents flagged affordability concerns tied to the new fee. Council member Brian Hughes told NBC4 the city should track attendance and “potentially reverse the increase if families are left behind,” while parks staff urged residents to secure Leisure Cards and download punch cards if they prefer to prepay. Parks spokesperson Kasey Kaschak told NBC4 that staff had spent months getting facilities ready to open safely for summer.
To avoid being turned away at the gate, officials say families can preload admissions onto a Leisure Card or purchase a digital punch card online, and front-desk staff at pool sites can help visitors who show up without a card. Leisure Cards are free at community centers, and the department encourages anyone planning a swim to keep one handy to move the entry line along. The FAQ also advises double-checking pool-specific hours and status since schedules and capacity can shift with weather or maintenance.
What to know before you go
Most outdoor pools are operating afternoon weekday hours and midday weekend shifts, with full summer schedules starting June 6 at many sites. Check the City of Columbus bulletin or the pools schedule for real-time updates on openings, hours and capacity, and bring a card or your free Leisure Card to keep the line moving. The city said it will keep an eye on attendance and adjust if the new system leaves residents behind.
