Portland Pools Open for Summer Fun

In what could be a record-breaking year in attendance, Portland Parks and Recreation's seven outdoor and six indoor pools are gearing up for this summer's swim season, which begins Monday, June 19.

Pools throughout the city are being spiffed up and prepared for the influx of swimmers that flock to them each year. With the price of gasoline at record highs, more Portlanders are expected to take advantage of neighborhood pools close to home.

"There is every indication that our pools will be more popular than ever this summer," said Nancy Roth, Portland Parks' aquatics program director, "and we're thrilled that Buckman Pool will reopen after being closed last year."

The repairs and refurbishing of Buckman Pool is expected to be completed around the Fourth of July holiday.

Last year, the city's pools served almost 1.2 million swimmers, provided swimming lessons to over 21,000 students and employed more than 500 summertime workers, including 350 lifeguards.

The goal this summer is to exceed last year's customer visits and to teach over 25,000 students. Swimming lessons are for all ages and can be taken at any skill level.

The outdoor pools — heated to 85 degrees — are open from June 19 through Sept. 1.