As city pools prepare to open, here’s what’s new

City of Sioux Falls pools open for the season Friday, May 31, and there are special programs ahead at each one.

Recreation program coordinator Jean Pearson said there’s unique programming happening at each outdoor pool, “so residents should try to hit up a new pool this summer.”

There’s also good news with lifeguard staffing. Pearson said hiring was the best she has ever experienced.

“There’s been a waitlist since April,” she said. “We attribute the success to digital advertising and competitive wages.”

Pools open at 1 p.m. Friday, May 31, weather permitting. Here’s a look at some of the fun special events coming up:

• School’s Out Summer Pool Party: Join the festivities at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at all outdoor pools. Enjoy music, pool games and a chance to meet the aquatic staff.
• Crocodile Wranglin’: Wrangle inflatable crocodiles, and enjoy a scavenger hunt around the pool at Laurel Oaks Aquatics Center on June 29. Fastest wrangler gets a prize; register now to get a T-shirt.

There also are still opening for indoor and outdoor swim lessons. Register online here.

For full details on pools, programs and events, check out the city’s aquatics page.

What’s open

All pools will be open for the season! This is the final season for the McKennan Park Wading Pool as it exists today, but after the swim season, a new replacement wading pool will be built.

While pools at Frank Olson and Kuehn parks are scheduled to be replaced in the coming years, the existing pools are scheduled to stay open throughout construction until new ones are finished. You might have heard about the city buying Sanford Wellness Center on 32nd Street west of Ellis Road, but that’s not open for public swimming until the deal closes and there’s a transition next year.

Timely reminders

The city reminds you to take safety precautions this summer: Hydrate, wear sunscreen and follow pool rules. On the recreation trail, the speed limit is 15 mph, and users should announce when they pass. The trail will allow Class II e-bikes beginning June 1.

Other fun

The city’s Parks & Recreation Department also has plenty of activities planned outside the pools this summer.

• Park Poker Run: Cyclists will stop at five park locations along the recreation trail Saturday, May 25, and collect a playing card to create a five-card hand. The player with the best hand wins a new bicycle!
• Fitness in the Park: This revamped program offers guided exercises followed by workout options on outdoor fitness equipment or a cool-down on the recreation trail. It’s free, and there are six sessions offered throughout the summer.
• Storyland Children’s Theater: Free children’s theater performances kick off June 18 at the McKennan Park band shell with the “Wizard of Oz.”
• Independence Day Celebration: A new location for the Fourth of July lunch on the south side of the Levitt Shell is planned, along with a 5K run, parade and fireworks.
• Hydrant Parties: Kicking off July 11, there will be five parties in a new neighborhood every Thursday until Aug. 8.
• Trail-gating Festival: Get ready for tailgating season with this popular event returning in August.

For details on these and other events and programs, check out the full activities guide here.