Outdoor Pools

People swimming at Long Meadow Pool

Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) maintains three outdoor seasonal pools for individuals and families to enjoy water activities, water exercise, and swim lessons.

Outdoor Pools 2023

Outdoor pools open for the Summer 2023 season on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Due to structural concerns, Long Meadow Pool will remain closed this summer.

Lifeguards Needed
We are currently hiring lifeguards. Our year-round and seasonal lifeguard positions start at $17.99/hour. Please visit the City of Durham Career Page for more information and to apply.

Forest Hills Pool

1639 University Drive
919-560-4782
Forest Hills Pool Hours of operation

Hillside Pool

1221 Sawyer Street
919-560-4783
Hillside Pool Hours of operation

Long Meadow Pool (Closed)

917 Liberty Street
919-560-4202
Read More Info on Closure

Outdoor Pools - Daily Admission Fees

Daily Admission Type City Resident - Daily Admission Fee Non-City Resident - Daily Admission Fee
Youth & Teen (ages 0-18)* No Cost $5
Adult (19+) $3 $8
Senior (55+) $2 $7

*All youth and teens under 18 years of age must have an account set up by a parent/guardian in ActiveNet prior to utilizing the pool alone for open rec swim. All children under the age of 13 must be accompanied in the pool area at all times by someone at least 16 years of age or older. Children 5 years and younger are required to be accompanied by someone at least 16 years of age or older in the water.

Additional Information

  • Everyone who enters the pool must pay the admission fee including persons who are observing and not swimming.
  • Daily admissions can be paid by credit card or cash (bills larger than $10 are not accepted).
  • Admission fee covers the entire day. A re-entry stamp is required if leaving and coming back to the pool. Refunds are not issued for daily admissions.
  • In order to maintain a safe swimming environment, facility management may have to periodically limit pool admission until those patrons already admitted have exited.

Outdoor Pool Rentals

DPR does not offer outdoor pool rentals during normal operating hours. Rentals are only available for groups renting for a minimum of 4 visits. If you would like to rent an outdoor pool, please email us or call 919-560-4265.

Water Safety

Make water safety a priority. Visit the American Red Cross Water Safety page to learn how you can take steps to stay safe around water.

DPR follows the guidance of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the American Red Cross. DPR aquatic facilities will close all indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities for 30 minutes after thunder is heard and/or lightning is seen at the aquatic facility. Outdoor facilities will also be closed when there is heavy rain and the bottom of the pool is not visible. Patrons may not remain on the pool deck or use the facility showers during this time. All participants in the facility, at the time when it is closed, will be issued a “rain check” pass to use the facility at another time. Facilities will remain closed until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or sighting of lightning. This is done to avoid contact with water or plumbing, and to ensure the safety of all aquatic participants. Learn more about lightning safety on the National Weather Service website.