After nearly 25 years as Edmond's go-to spot for cooling off, Pelican Bay Aquatic Center is set to reopen to the public on July 18 following roughly $7 million in renovations. The city pool has a fresh set of slides, a revamped play and splash area, and a host of upgrades meant to boost accessibility and cut down on long-term maintenance. City officials will mark the comeback with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on the morning of Friday, July 17, ahead of the public opening.
Reopening Details
According to City of Edmond, the ribbon cutting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 17, with the center officially welcoming swimmers beginning Saturday, July 18. The city's news release lays out the summer schedule and notes the facility will be open through Aug. 9, including twilight hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What's New
The renovation, the city's first major upgrade to Pelican Bay in nearly a quarter century, replaced the pool liner with a Myrtha RenovAction system, installed a new concrete deck, added ADA-compliant lifts and stairs, and tackled plumbing, drains and slide supports, according to The Journal Record. “This renovation ensures it remains a vibrant, inclusive space,” Ward 1 Councilor Maggie Murdock Nichols told the paper. Frank Hale, interim parks director, said the upgrades leave Pelican Bay “better equipped to serve Edmond for years to come.”
Hours, Passes and Pricing
Per Pelican Bay's website, regular season hours run July 18–Aug. 9 (Monday–Friday noon–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.), with twilight hours from 7–9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and weekend-only hours from Aug. 15–Sept. 7. Season passes were discounted to $37.50 per person this year because of the delayed opening; family passes are $137.50 for up to four people, and daily admission rates start at $10 for adults.
How It Was Paid For
The project was funded through Edmond's 2017 Capital Improvement Projects tax. The city's CIP listings put Pelican Bay repairs and improvements at about $7,221,000, covering the liner replacement, deck work and a raft of accessibility upgrades.
Why It Matters
Local reporting in 2024 documented chronic water loss at Pelican Bay, with leaks measured in the thousands of gallons per day, and those persistent problems helped push the city toward a permanent rebuild plan. KOCO covered those earlier concerns along with the temporary fixes that came before the full renovation.
What To Know Before You Go
Pelican Bay is still available for private rentals and features a splash playground, bathhouses and the Pelican Bay Cafe snack bar. Guthrie residents can receive complimentary day-pass access through a partnership with Guthrie City Hall. For more information, visit Pelican Bay's official site or call 405-282-2489, per The Journal Record.
