Cool off this summer at these swimming pools, splash pads, playgrounds, splash parks, lakes and local swimmin’ holes in the Charlottesville area! Be sure to bring sunscreen, towels, hats, cover ups and swim diapers for the little ones. Keep in mind it’s also a good idea to call ahead for schedule changes for swim meets and thunder/lightning delays. Older kids will love the challenge of a river trip on the James – perhaps tubing or kayaks. You can always pull off to the side for a swim in the river too. Check websites for season pass and/or membership information or if you are on the river, water levels. Happy summer!
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Charlottesville’s Public Swimming Pools
Crozet Park Aquatics & Fitness Center
434-205-4380
Managed by ACAC, this eight-lane outdoor pool features zero-depth entry, a mushroom waterfall, a baby pool, umbrella-shaded picnic tables, snack bar and a bathhouse. Located in Claudius Crozet Park, this swim center offers year-round aquatic amenities with a winter swim dome and month-to-month membership options. Swim lessons are available with limited capacity. Crozet Park Pool Cost varies. acac.com/crozetpark/
Onesty Family Aquatic Center
434-295-7532
This facility located in Meade Park in Charlottesville offers spray features in the pool, a slide, diving board, lazy river and a zero-depth entry area with play structure for younger kids. Onesty Family Aquatic Cetner Cost: ages 3 and under free; city residents $1–$6; nonresidents $2–$11.
Smith Aquatic & Fitness Center
434-970-3072
This 27,000+ sq. ft. indoor facility features a lap pool, diving board, two water slides, zero-depth entry, in-water play structure and lazy river. Perfect for a swim or a splash! Smith Aquatic Center Cost: ages 3 and under free; city residents $4–$8; nonresidents $5.50–$11.
Washington Park Pool with Water Slide
434-977-2607
This lighted outdoor pool includes lap lanes for a serious swim workout, a toddler wading area, a mushroom fountain, a spiral slide, zero-depth entry and a bathhouse. Washington Park Pool Cost: ages 3 and under free; city residents $1–$4; nonresidents $2–$6.
All City of Charlottesville pools have lifeguards on duty, but for safety, children under 8 must be supervised in the water by an adult. Pool hours are subject to change. Call 434-970-3260 for more information on pool hours, swim lessons and the city swim team. charlottesville.gov
Summer Only Membership Swimming Pools
ACAC Adventure Central Waterpark
434-978-7529, acac.com
A fantastic swimming pool for the entire family, Adventure Central Waterpark features an area for kids with several slides.
Blue Ridge Swim Club
434-242-6894, blueridgeswimclub.com
Nestled in the country near Ivy, this incredibly unique natural pool is stream-fed and was originally built in 1913.
Fairview Swim & Tennis Club
434-973-7946, fairviewclub.org
Located in the Belvedere neighborhood in Charlottesville, this pool has diving boards and many lap lanes.
Farmington Country Club
434-296-5661, farmingtoncc.com
This private pool features a 12-foot diving well, an eight-lane 25-meter lap pool, and a small wading pool for infants.
Glenmore Country Club
434-817-0506, glenmorecountryclub.com
Located inside the beautiful Glenmore neighborhood in Keswick, this pool is a lovely option for families who like to swim.
Greene Hills Club
434-985-7328, greenehillsclub.com
The pool at Greene Hills is a fantastic option for families looking to cool off in Greene County.
Hollymead Swim Club
540-751-1888, hollymead.info
There are a limited number of non-resident memberships available at this 29N area pool.
Key West Swim & Tennis Club
434-977-7665, keywestclub.org
A wide range of memberships are available at this 40-acre facility which includes a heated 25-meter swimming pool.
Old Trail Swim Club
434-823-1670, oldtrailvillage.com
Located at the base of the mountains, there are a limited number of non-resident memberships available at this beautiful pool that features a zero-entry section and a diving board for swimmers.
Year-Round Membership Pools
ACAC
Albemarle Square: 434-978-3800
Downtown: 434-984-3800
acac.com
Boar’s Head Resort
434-296-2181, boarsheadresort.com
UVA Intramural Rec Sports
434-924-3791, recsports.virginia.edu
Lane reservations are required for lap swimming.
Piedmont Family YMCA
434-974-9622, piedmontymca.org
Charlottesville Lakes, Swimming’ Holes & Splash Parks
These three parks—Chris Greene, Mint Springs and Walnut Creek—have sand beaches for freshwater swimming during the summer months (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) with lifeguard protection. Season passes are available. There will be no swimming on days that Albemarle County Schools are in session. The area also offers two fun swimming holes—Riprap Hollow and Sugar Hollow—alongside popular hiking trails for an old-fashioned dip. (No lifeguards.)
434-296-5844, albemarle.org
Chris Greene Lake & Canoe Rental
434-296-5844
With 53 water acres and two beach acres, lifeguard, changing rooms and canoe rentals, Chris Greene Lake is a great place to cool off. Fishing and limited boating are also allowed. Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$4.50.
Mint Springs Valley Park & Lake
434-296-5844
Located in Crozet, Mint Springs Park includes eight water acres and one beach acre for swimming, limited boating and fishing. Lifeguards and restrooms are on-site. Swim season is June 17–August 22. Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Mint Springs Lake Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$4.50.
Riprap Hollow Swimming Hole
hikingupward.com
A clear, deep-blue swimming hole is your reward for hiking 1.7 miles from the lower trailhead, off Route 612 near Crimora. Refreshingly shaded, this spot offers glimpses of crayfish and salamanders in the shallows. This Riprap area is part of the Shenandoah National Park system. Hours: Dawn to dusk. Cost: Free.
Sugar Hollow Swimming Hole
swimmingholes.org
A short drive out of town near White Hall, this cool river swimming hole offers a refreshing break from the Sugar Hollow trail, with clear water and gentle rapids. Swimming in the reservoir is not allowed. Hours: Dawn to dusk. Cost: Free.
Walnut Creek Park Lake Swim & Canoe Rental
434-296-5844
Walnut Creek offers 45 water acres and two beach acres, lifeguard, shelter, restrooms and canoe rentals. Fishing and limited boating are allowed. Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$4.50.
JAMES RIVER WATER FUN
Enjoy water fun on the James River—tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting—in part-day, one-day, two-day and overnight trip options. Tubing departure times are limited. Cost varies.
Howardsville Canoe Livery
434-286-3331
James River Reeling & Rafting
34-286-4386, reelingandrafting.com
James River Runners
434-286-2338, jamesriver.com
Rivanna River Company
(434) 218-2052, rivannarivercompany.com
Charlottesville Spray Grounds
If swimming isn’t your thing, cool down at a spray ground! Charlottesville Parks & Rec. offers a fun complement to the pools with three city spray grounds in popular parks, open daily through mid-September. Picnic shelters and playgrounds are nearby!
charlottesville.org
Belmont Park Sprayground & Splash Pad
434-970-3260
Play during park hours, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
Greenleaf Park Spray Ground & Splash Pad
434-970-3260
Play during park hours, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
Forest Hills Park Spray Ground & Splash Pad
434-970-3260
Play during park hours, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
SWIM SAFETY
The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging parents and other adults to plan multiple layers of protection to keep children and teens safe around water this spring and summer. Drowning can happen to any family. It’s quick, and it’s silent. Drowning is the single-leading cause of death among children aged 1-4, and a top cause of death among teens. We can lower these rates if pediatricians, parents and policy-makers work together to implement the types of solutions we know will keep children safe. Please share these resources with parents and caregivers.
According to the AAP, the layers of protection should include:
- All children and adults should learn to swim. If swim lessons are suspended in your area due to coronavirus, it is important to add other layers of protection until your child can access lessons.
- Close, constant, attentive supervision around water is important. Assign an adult ‘water watcher,’ who should not be distracted by work, socializing, or chores.
- Around the house, empty all buckets, bathtubs and wading pools immediately after use. If you have young children, keep the bathroom door closed, and use toilet locks to prevent access.
- Pools should be surrounded by a four-sided fence, with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Research shows pool fencing can reduce drowning risk by 50%. Additional barriers can include door locks, window locks, pool covers and pool alarms.
- Adults and older children should learn CPR.
- Everyone, children and adults, should wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets whenever they are in open water, or on watercraft.
- Parents and teens should understand how using alcohol and drugs increases the risk of drowning while swimming or boating. 1
#DrowningPrevention Safety information from the American Academy of Pediatrics
is a Virginia native and mom of 3 young children. She enjoys experiencing all the Charlottesville area has to offer for families.
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