City Releases Outdoor Pool Schedule With Burnet Opening Today
Published on June 16, 2023
The City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation announced it will open outdoor pools on a rolling basis beginning today at 3 p.m. Pools will remain open through mid-August, weather permitting.
Pool opening dates for the summer are:
- Friday, June 16: Burnet Park Pool
- Tuesday, June 20: Kirk Park Pool and Upper Onondaga Park Pool
- Wednesday, June 21: Schiller Park Pool
- Saturday, June 24: Lincoln Park Pool
- Monday, June 26: McKinley Park Pool
- TBD: Thornden Park Pool
- TBD: Wilson Park Pool
The City Skilled Trades crews are working to repair mechanical issues at the pool in Thornden Park. The Aquatics team is continuing to put together solutions to address staffing shortages to open the pool in Wilson Park. The opening days will be announced at a later date.
The pools will operate Monday - Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, between Monday, June 19 and Friday, June 23 Burnet, Kirk, Onondaga, and Schiller pools will operate from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the week as the Syracuse City School District school year comes to a close. All pool hours are subject to change throughout the summer based on staffing and pool needs/requirements.
Advance registration is not required. Admission to open swim is free of charge for everyone. The pools will operate on a first-come, first-serve system when pool capacities are reached.
Children under the minimum height requirement must be with a parent or responsible adult over 18 years old. A maximum of three children per adult are allowed. The accompanying adult must be always in the water within an arms-reach of children, even when a child is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device. A deep-water swim test must be taken and passed upon each entry. To view the full list of pool rules and acceptable swimwear visit https://syr.gov/poolrules.
Lifeguard Screenings & Trainings
The City continues to seek lifeguards. The Parks department will run three lifeguard training classes this summer. Training fees will be waived for city of Syracuse residents who fulfill a summer season of employment working a minimum of 20 hours per week. To check eligibility and learn more visit https://syr.gov/becomealifeguard.
Lifeguard training dates:
- Session I: June 26 - July 7
- Session II: July 10 - 21
- Session III: July 24 - Aug. 4
Lap Swimming
A designated lap lane is available, free of charge, at all outdoor pools during open swim hours.
Swim Lessons
Due to staff shortages, swim lessons will not be offered as previously advertised. Lessons will resume in the fall at Southwest and Valley pools.
Aquathon Events
Youth between the ages of 3-15 can sign up to take part in five Aquathon events. Events are free of charge. The Aquathon events combine swimming and running into a fun, untimed sporting event at five parks located throughout the city of Syracuse. New this year, an adult division will be available at the Upper Onondaga Park. Events take place on Sundays and free training sessions are available. Learn more and register at https://syracuse.recdesk.com .
Aquathon dates:
- Sunday, July 9: Schiller Park
- Sunday, July 16: Kirk Park
- Sunday, July 23: Upper Onondaga Park
- Sunday, July 13: Burnet Park
- Sunday, August 6: Thornden Park
Pool Updates
This past year, four outdoor pools were converted to a saltwater system from the traditional chlorinated system, including Burnet, Kirk, Onondaga and Thornden pools, courtesy of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The conversions eliminate the risk of handling, transporting, and storing large amounts of chlorine.
For pool closings and cancellations:
- Visit the Syracuse Parks & Recreation Facebook page @SyracuseParksRec
- Visit the Syracuse.recdesk.com cancellation page.
- Call the dedicated pool line message at 315-748-8908. The line is not answered or monitored.
For more information, email blopes@syrgov.net, tmontressor@syrgov.net or jayalya@syrgov.net.