BALTIMORE, MD — May 22, 2026 — The Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks (Rec & Parks) will welcome residents back to its pools for the 2026 outdoor pool season this Saturday, May 23 through Memorial Day. With free admission for all, Baltimore’s pools offer a safe, fun and family-friendly way for residents to cool off and connect with their communities.
“Pools are essential infrastructure in the summer months and help keep our residents safe, cool, healthy and having fun,” said Dr. Reginald Moore, Director of Rec & Parks. “With another new pool opening in Poppleton, now even more residents will have access to a state-of-the-art facility close to their home.”
Beginning this Memorial Day weekend, five city park pools—Druid Hill, Lake Clifton, Patterson, Roosevelt and Cherry Hill—will open for weekend-only hours, operating from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Riverside pool will open Saturday, May 30. Returning this year, park pools will close for maintenance one day per week, with Druid Hill, Lake Clifton and Riverside closed on Mondays, and Patterson, Roosevelt and Cherry Hill closed on Tuesdays.
Starting June 16, all neighborhood and park pools will begin full-season operations. Neighborhood pools will be open Monday through Saturday, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. and again from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Park pools will operate Monday through Thursday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with expanded hours Friday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
New this year, on June 17, Rec & Parks will open Greater Model, a brand-new neighborhood pool in Poppleton—increasing access and the total number of outdoor pools to 17. Other updates include no access to the changing rooms, lockers or the kiddie pool at Patterson Park, due to the construction of a brand-new kiddie pool. Patterson Park guests should arrive ready to swim and may bring a clear bag size 12”x12” or smaller.
Along with other pool rules, Rec & Parks continues its bag-free deck policy to ensure a safe environment for all. Pool-goers must store personal items in free lockers at each facility, as bags are not permitted on the pool deck. In addition, proper swim attire is required at all locations; pool visitors are encouraged to review full rules and guidelines at https://www.baltimorecity.gov/bcrp/pools before visiting.
All City pools are free to access, but advance registration is encouraged. Residents can create an account and explore Learn to Swim and other programming at this CivicRec link.
For up-to-date information on pool locations, hours of operation, Learn to Swim and other programming, and safety rules, visit https://www.baltimorecity.gov/bcrp/pools or follow @RecnParks on social media.
About Baltimore City Recreation and Parks
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (Rec & Parks) is Baltimore's leading provider of affordable, year-round recreational activities. Rec & Parks builds a stronger Baltimore, one community at a time, through conservation, well-being, and social equity. The agency manages and maintains 263 parks, 51 recreation centers, 25 miles of biking and hiking trails, and approximately 4,700 acres of parkland. To learn more about our programs and services, visit https://www.baltimorecity.gov/bcrp