Sign of summer’s end: Here’s when city pools will close

Swim season is starting to wind down, so get your pool time in while you can.

City pools will start closing Sunday, Aug. 7, and continue through Sept. 4 as weather allows.

Here are the final swim days:

• Frank Olson Pool: Aug. 7.
• Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center and McKennan Wading Pool: Aug. 12.
• Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center and Kuehn Pool: Aug. 14.
• Laurel Oak Family Aquatic Center: Sept. 4.

“Many of the summer lifeguard staff will end their employment to head back to college or begin fall activities,” said Jean Pearson, recreation program coordinator for Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation. “The pool closing schedule allows the safe management of pools with the number of available staff. This year’s closing dates are consistent with our schedules from past years. Every year,om,lp our goal is to keep one or two pools open until the Sunday prior to Labor Day.”

Here’s what else swimmers need to know:

• Lap swimming and water walking at Drake Springs will continue weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. through Aug. 19.
• From Aug. 15 through Sept. 4, Laurel Oak will be open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m.
• Pioneer Spray Park will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Sept. 4, weather permitting.

The Mido Aquatic Center at 1601 S. Western Ave. will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The 50M competition pool is currently under annual maintenance and unavailable through Aug. 19. The recreational pool, warm water pool and outdoor splash pad remain open.

“Here’s a shout-out to our incredible team for keeping our residents and customers safe,” said Jackie Nelson, recreation manager for Parks & Recreation. “Our aquatics team works hard all season and deserves to be celebrated and recognized for their talents at aquatic events, swimming lessons and daily pool hours. We are lucky to have an amazing team prepared and professional from our community for our community. Thank a lifeguard today! We hope everyone had as much fun as we did.”

Swimming Gone to the Dogs

And here are the dates for this traditional end-to-the-season event: Bring your dog for Swimming Gone to the Dogs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Terrace Park and Sept. 6 at Laurel Oak.