The City of Edmonton has just announced it will make outdoor pools free again for the 2019 season! Pools typically open on the long weekend of May and are open until the long weekend of September, weather permitting. The city of Edmonton runs 5 outdoor pools – see details on each one below, and check out the city map HERE for YEG locations.
Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool:
Where: Borden Park 7507 Borden Park Road (Just south of Northlands, where K-days is held)
About the Pool:
- All-natural outdoor pool concept; alternative to chemically-treated pools
- Family pool in Borden Park
- Surrounded by sand
- Plenty of lounge space with umbrellas
Note that no chemicals are used to disinfect the water, so the guidelines for this pool are different than the city’s other outdoor pools.
Opening day for 2019: June 28, 2019
Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool:
Where: 15720-105 Avenue, West Edmonton (North of Stony Plain Road, just off of 156 Street)
About the pool:
- Family friendly atmosphere with accessible entrance, change rooms and washrooms
- Pool includes a zero-depth entry into the kids pool
- 1m & 3m diving boards
- Kids teach pool with spray park
- Picnic tables
- Concession area
- Dry land basketball hoop
Lots of things for the kids to keep busy with here! Pool area is complete with a sun deck.
Opening day for 2019: May 30, 2019
Mill Creek Outdoor Pool:
Where: 9555-84 Avenue (Just north of Whyte Ave and 95a Street, South Edmonton)
About the Pool:
- Located in Mill Creek Ravine
- L-shaped swimming pool
- Has a large tanning area
- Beautiful scenery
- Complimentary and paid lockers
- Kids slide
- Concession on site
Mill Creek also has some nice surrounding leisure trails.
Opening day for 2019: Saturday, May 25
Oliver Outdoor Pool:
Where: 10315-119 Street (Just south of 104 Avenue/Stony Plain Road & 119 Street, west/central Edmonton)
About the Pool:
- Conveniently located in the downtown core
- Has a deep water slide
- Complimentary wallet lockers & paid lockers
- Picnic table
- Sundeck,
- Concession on site
Oliver pool also has a neighbouring playground!
**CLOSED FOR THE SEASON FOR REPAIRS**
Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool & Kinsmen Spray Park:
Where: 9170 Walterdale Hill (In Kinsmen Park, Centrally located just north of Saskatchewan Drive)
About the Pool:
- Kid friendly with a zero-depth pool entry
- Sun deck
- 1m & 3m diving boards
- Universal access/family change room
- Showers and lockers right on the pool deck
- First aid room
- Concession.
The Kinsmen Park on the same site, making this a great location to spend the whole day with the kids. Sports centre, spray park, pitch & putt, sports field, playground, picnic sites, trails and the John Walter Museum can all be found here.
Opening day for 2019: June 7, 2019
Which one is your favorite? Try them all this Summer!
Tip: Get there early to secure a spot for your towels; free means busy!
Photo credit: City of Edmonton