Public swimming pools in Pensacola are opening soon. Here’s what’s different this year
With summer nearly here, many of us are back to contemplating how to enjoy the outdoors while staying cool. And the obvious answer for anyone who didn't have easy access to the beach was a nice pool.
Some were lucky enough to have a friend with a pool, and others were blessed with actually owning one. For the rest of us, we enjoyed public pools.
If you fall into that last category or just want a bigger place to splash around, then this is the list for you. Here's what to know about public swimming pools in Pensacola.
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When do pools open for the season in Pensacola?
Pensacola public swimming pools typically open for the season on Memorial Day and end on Labor Day.
This year, the pool season will opened a few days before Memorial Day, on May 25. Sept. 2 will be the last day to enjoy pools this summer.
Pensacola public pool prices increased this year
A new fee schedule will be implemented this year after the Pensacola City Council approved a new contract with the YMCA of Northwest Florida to manage city pools.
Under the new measure, daily entry fees at the Cecil T. Hunter Pool are increasing from $1 for children, $2.25 for adults and $1.50 for seniors to new rates of $3 for children, $4 for adults and $3.50 for seniors.
Daily entry fees at the Roger Scott Pool will increase from $3 for children, $4 for adults and $3.50 for seniors to $4 for children, $5 for adults and $4.50 for seniors.
Season pass prices will also increase, though they will now be valid at both city pools. Previously, each pool had its own season pass.
Individual city resident passes are $116, family city resident passes are $187 and senior city resident passes are $73.
Pensacola pools: Pensacola raising prices at public pools but creates scholarship program for cheaper rates
Low-income residents can apply for a new 'scholarship program'
Public pools have always been an excellent and affordable place for families to bring their kids during the summer. The new prices make it slightly less affordable, but low-income families can apply for a new City Pool Scholarship Program to help keep prices down. Here's how it works.
The new scholarship program is available to city resident households with members that receive free/reduced lunch, SNAP, SSI, TANF or W.I.C. benefits.
Eligible families will receive 50% off the daily admission rate and 20% off seasonal membership.
Applications can be downloaded here and submitted in person at the Cobb and Vickery Resource Centers Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then 6-8 p.m.
The enrollment period for scholarships began on May 20 and will remain open until June 7. Scholarship availability is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Roger Scott Pool
Where: 2130 Summit Blvd.
The Roger Scott Pool has restrooms, showers, spray features, water slides and a zero-depth entry pool.
While in season, the pool is open for two sessions. The first session lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the second is from 2:30 to 7 p.m.
Daily entry fees at the Roger Scott Pool will increase from $3 for children, $4 for adults and $3.50 for seniors to $4 for children, $5 for adults and $4.50 for seniors. Families who qualify for the scholarship program will only pay $2 for children, $2.50 for adults and $2.25 for seniors.
Cecil T. Hunter Pool
Where: 200 E. Blount St.
The Cecil T. Hunter Pool has restrooms, outdoor showers, spray features, water slides and a zero-depth entry pool.
While in season, the pool is open for two sessions. The first session lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the second is from 2:30 to 6 p.m.
Daily entry fees at the Cecil T. Hunter Pool are increasing from $1 for children, $2.25 for adults and $1.50 for seniors to new rates of $3 for children, $4 for adults and $3.50 for seniors. Families who qualify for the scholarship program will only pay $1.50 for children, $2 for adults and $1.75 for seniors.
Escambia County school district employees and families can swim for free
The Washington Aquatic Center announced on Tuesday that it will be open to any school district employee and their families for family fun swimming during the summer.
The pool will be open from June 3 to Aug. 1, except on days when the Escambia County School District is closed.
The days and times are as follows:
Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 2 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-2 p.m.
There will be water aerobics every day at 1 p.m., and lanes available to swim.
In addition, there are areas for the kids to swim that include water basketball and diving boards.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Public swimming pools in Pensacola: When are pools open? What to know
