Deer Park Pool Set to Open July 1 for Summer Season

As temperatures rise and summer activities begin, the Deer Park Pool is welcoming swimmers back for an- other season, beginning July 1. The community pool, located in Swinyard Park, is scheduled to be open through Aug. 31 and will offer free admission, according to city officials. While there were no major renovations completed during the offseason, city of Deer Park Maintenance Superintendent Brad Wainwright said staff have been busy preparing the facility for opening day. "We pressure wash and inspect the pool surface, de-winterize the plumbing, stock all of the needed chemicals, fill the pool, start the heaters, and balance the water chemistry," Wainwright said.

"The lifeguards clean the pool house and get it ready for the season." This year, city crews also serviced the pool heaters, installed new safety signs, and rebuilt the facility's ADA-ac- cessible pool lift chair, according to Wain- wright. Built in 1948, the pool serves thousands of visitors each summer. Wainwright estimates approximately 3,800 people used the facility during the 2025 season.

"For many years, it was one of the only things for kids to do in Deer Park, so I feel it is very important to the community," Wainwright said. "I think the new splash pad is a great addition to our commu- nity, but for older kids, the pool is a more enjoyable option." The pool also holds personal significance for Wainwright. "I grew up a block from the pool and spent most of my summers as a kid at that pool,” he said. “It was a huge part of my childhood."

The city plans to staff the pool with eight lifeguards and a pool manager this summer. Ac- cording to Wainwright, recruiting lifeguards went smoothly, thanks to returning staff members and the efforts of the pool manager. All lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross and receive first aid and CPR training.

Prior to opening, they complete refresher training and review emergency procedures specific to the Deer Park facility. Weather conditions may impact operations. Wainwright said the pool will close during dangerous weather, particularly lightning storms. During wildfire season, closures may occur if the Air Quality Index reaches 150 or higher. Wainwright said one of the things he appreciates most about the Deer Park Pool is its accessibility to families. "The size of our pool is great – there's plenty of room for lots of people," he said. "I love the fact that our city doesn't charge to use the pool so everyone can enjoy it."

As opening day approaches, Wainwright said he is looking for- ward to seeing residents return. "I am always excited that we get to open the pool, knowing how much people enjoy using it," he said. He also expressed appreciation for city leaders who continue supporting the facility. "Our pool was built in 1948 and is still functioning great," Wainwright said. "We have made great upgrades to the pool with a new deck, new heaters, and new paint two years ago. Please come and enjoy the pool and Swinyard Park.

I always like to thank the city council and the mayor for being supportive of keeping the pool open for everyone to enjoy." Pool hours will include lap swim from noon to 1 p.m. and open swim from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For information about schedules, closures, and updates, visit cityofdeerparkwa. com, or call City Hall at 509-276-8802.