Dozens of locals wait to dive in before the World’s Largest Swim Lesson at Wilson Park Pool in 2010
Photo: Todd Gill, Flyer Staff
It’s been a relatively mild start as far as mid-July temperatures go, but those of us who’ve lived in Fayetteville for a while know that the real dog days of summer are still to come.
For those scorching days ahead, we’ve compiled a list of public and private pools that offer single-day passes, visitor passes, or member options in and around Fayetteville.
We decided to limit our list to swimming pools in Washington County, but there are a couple of options around the region worth mentioning, such as Wet Willy’s Water Park (also known as Rogers Aquatic Center) in Rogers, the Splash Park in Bentonville, and the new Parrot Island Water Park in Fort Smith.
Another large local pool not included in our list is Fayetteville Athletic Club, who declined to provide information for this post.
Of course, there are plenty of lakes and rivers to cool off in as well, but we’ll also save those for another list.
Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite places to cool off. We’re going to need them these next few weeks.
Wilson Park Pool
The only public pool in Fayetteville, Wilson Park Pool opens each year in early June and remains open through the middle part of August.
It’s maintained by the Fayetteville’s Parks & Recreation Department, and is located on the southeast corner of the city’s popular Wilson Park at 675 N. Park Ave., near the intersection of Trenton Boulevard.
Day passes are available for $3 for youth and $4 for adults, and season passes are $55 for youth, $75 for adults, and $135 for a family of five.
The pool is open on Mondays through Friday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. More details are available at fayetteville-ar.com.
Mount Sequoyah
Mount Sequoyah Pool
Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center recently opened its pool as an option for the public.
The pool, located on the northwest side of the grounds atop the mountain (150 N Skyline Dr.), is shaded and secluded, and is surprisingly large. It’s also home to the Mount Sequoyah Marlins Swim Team and to swim lessons by the AquaHawgs.
It’s free to use for guests at the retreat and conference center. Day passes are available for $5, and monthly memberships are $80 for individuals, $90 for couples, or $110 for families. Student memberships are available for $40 a month, while fitness memberships, which include pool access from 5-8 a.m. are also available for $50 per month.
The pool is open daily from 5 a.m. until midnight, though lessons and swim meets do occasionally close the pool (check the schedule here).
More details about the Mount Sequoyah Pool are at mountsequoyah.org.
Elk’s Lodge
One of the nicest pools in Fayetteville is located at the local chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at 4444 N. Crossover Road.
The pool is only open to members, and a membership will run you $139 per year, plus a one-time $75 application fee. Day passes aren’t available, but members can add a card for their spouse for $5.
As a bonus, this pool also has a bar.
HPER Building
For rainy days, or for those looking for an indoor pool option, there’s always the HPER building on campus at the University of Arkansas (155 Stadium Dr.).
Access to the HPER Building and its pool are included in the Student Activities Fee for current students.
It’s also available to faculty and staff for $75 per semester ($203/year), and for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association for $125 per semester ($338/year).
The HPER Building is open weekdays from 8:45 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 2-7 p.m.
Summerhill Racquet Club
Local fitness center Summerhill Racquet Club, located at 3480 N. Summerhill Drive in Fayetteville, has a large pool that offers a single-day pass.
Day passes to the pool are available for just $5, and it’s free for members of the club. Club memberships range from $43 per month for individuals up to $67 a month for families.
The pool is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., Sundays from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Specific times are designated for lap swims and open swims as well (see the schedule here).
The Jones Center
Just up the road in Springdale, the Jones Center for Families (922 E Emma Ave.) has a large indoor pool, and affordable rates for a single-day pass.
The pool is designed especially for families, and includes a giant water slide and plenty of lifeguards on duty.
Day passes are $3, and there are also packages for private parties.
Lap swim and family swim times are available, and it’s best to check the week’s schedule when planning your trip because of the large amount of private events held at the facility.
More information, including the weekly schedule, are at thejonescenter.net.
Prairie Grove Aquatic Park
One of the nicest public water parks in Northwest Arkansas is located in the small community of Prairie Grove, just 12 miles west of Fayetteville (311 W Butler St.).
The park has several water slides and a diving board, with lots of room to relax in the shallow waters if that’s your thing.
Day passes are just $4 ($3 for kids 5 and under), and season passes are $185 for a family of 4, or $60 for an individual.
The pool is open Monday through Thursday from 12:30-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12:30-7 p.m., and Sunday from 1-7 p.m.
More information is available at prairiegrovearkansas.org.
