07/31/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/31/2026 09:52
Published on July 31, 2026
The City of Sioux Falls' outdoor aquatic facilities remain open for the final days of the 2026 swim season after welcoming more than 167,000 visitors this summer. The Parks and Recreation Department will close its outdoor pools on Sunday, Aug. 9.
"Our outdoor pools are filled with families making memories all summer long, and it's been exciting to see so many residents take advantage of these amenities," said Brett Kollars, assistant director of Parks and Recreation for the city. "We're grateful to our staff for providing a safe, welcoming experience and to the community for making this another outstanding pool season."
Attendance increased during the 2026 swim season, with city outdoor aquatic facilities welcoming more than 167,250 visitors compared with 133,215 visitors in 2025. The increase was driven in part by the reopening of the newly reconstructed McKennan Wading Pool, which was closed throughout the 2025 season for construction.
The annual Swimming Gone to the Dogs event will give residents and their well-behaved, family-friendly dogs one last opportunity to enjoy the pools before they close for the season. The event will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center, 1100 W. Fourth St., and Thursday, Aug. 13, at Laurel Oak Family Aquatic Center, 3401 E. 49th St. Both events will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Residents may bring up to two dogs. Dogs must be accompanied by their owner, be current on vaccinations and follow off-leash rules. The event is free and no registration is required.
City-operated splash pads will remain open after the outdoor pools close, with adjusted schedules and seasonal closing dates:
Pioneer Splash Pad and Hayward Splash Pad
Midco Aquatic Center Splash Pad
Great Plains Zoo Splash Pad
Jacobson Plaza Splash Pad
The Parks and Recreation Department also operates the Midco Aquatic Center and Westside Recreation Center, offering year-round indoor aquatic opportunities. Summer swim passes can be used at both locations through Labor Day.
For more information about the Parks and Recreation Department, visit .