Iowa City Parks and Recreation Summer Recreation Registration begins at 7 a.m. on April 16, 2024, for Iowa City residents. Non-resident registration opens at 7 a.m. on April 17, 2024. In person registration is available at the Robert A Lee Community Center and Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Register online here. 

We offer swim lessons at all three pools locations. Our American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Levels include the following levels below. Click on a level to register through Activenet. Not sure which level is right for you? View our Swim Lesson Guide inside the Aquatics section of our Rec Guide here.

• Swim Lessons
• Paddleboard
• Water Fitness Classes
• American Red Cross Certifications
• Pool Parties
• Aquatics Special Events

Fall/Winter 2024 Pool Schedules

Hours below are open swim hours unless otherwise listed. Lap lanes are available during open swim times. Additional closures and schedule modifications are possible. Please look for signage, emails, and RainOut Line updates for real-time announcements. 

Robert A. Lee Pool

Mercer Park Aquatic Center Pool

Note: Limited shallow and mid-section space available Tuesdays 1:30pm-4:30pm due to visiting camps/groups

Pool passes can be purchased at Robert A Lee Recreation Center, Mercer Park Aquatic Center, and City Park Pool.

Daily Admission

• Drop-in: $4
• 2 years and younger: Free

10-Use Pass (non-expiring)

• 10 Admits: $32
• Non-residents: $37

30-Day Pass (valid for 30 days from purchase)

• Individual: $22
• Household: $40
• Non-resident Individual: $33
• Non-residents Household: $60

Annual Pass (valid one-year from purchase)

• Individual: $234
• Household: $450
• Non-resident Individual: $352
• Non-residents Household: $675

Individuals residing in one household can utilize our Household Pass. Adults with different last names will be asked to verify residence. Individuals residing in one household with over five members can be added to the monthly or annual pass for an additional charge of $25 per person.

Individuals and families living in city limits who are approved for RecAssist, for income-eligible residents, are eligible to receive 50% off of all pool passes. 

To read the pool rules in the language of your choice select one of the links below.

• Arabic
• Chinese
• English
• French
• Spanish

Learning to swim is a life skill of which everyone should have access. Iowa City Parks & Recreation aims to eliminate financial barriers for Iowa City residents needing basic swim instruction to create a community filled with competent swimmers with safety awareness around water.

Apply for our RecAssist program which can qualify you and those in your household for free swim lessons.

Water fitness classes are offered at Mercer Park Aquatic Center Pool and Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center and seasonally at City Park Pool.

We offer a variety of classes that include different depths, intensities, and equipment.

Participants are able to participate in one of the three ways.

• Monthly Session
  • $16 for the four-week session (5 participant minimum required the week before to run session)
  • No refunds for missed classes
  • Participant will be on the roster that the instructor checks off
• Single Pass
  • $6 per class
  • The participant will bring a physical card pass to the instructor
• Monthly Fitness Pass
  • $50 per month
  • Must start at beginning of the month
  • No pro-rated dates or staggered start dates
  • The participant will show a physical card pass to the instructor

Classes can be canceled due to instructor availability, weather, or pool conditions. Please check the Rainout Line (extension 40) for day-of updates.

 View our most current Water Fitness options in our Rec Guide. Register here.

Note: Water fitness participants wishing to use the pool or hot tub after their scheduled water fitness class should pre-pay for a drop-in admission or scan their pool pass prior to their class start.

Iowa City Parks and Recreation manages three splash pads. The features are touch-activated, and the water turns off after a designated period of time. The splash features operate 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., daily, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend (weather and maintenance dependent). For more information on pool or splash pad closures visit Iowa City Parks and Recreation Rainout Line. There is no fee to use these splash pads.  

• Wetherby Park Splash Pad, 2400 Taylor Drive
• Fairmeadows Park Splash Pad, 2500 Miami Drive
• Tower Court Park Spray Pad, 1124 Tower Court*

Swim Parties are available on select Saturdays and Sundays at City Park Pool during summer months and on Saturdays at Robert A Lee during the school year.

• To view available dates and read policies, visit the pool rental page on ActiveNet.

Group Visits

• Organized groups of ten or more people (including daycares, school groups, camps, and parties and celebrations) are required to contact the Aquatics Program Supervisor prior to their visit to Iowa City pools to ensure space is available and make a reservation. If pools reach maximum capacity with other group reservations and programs, aquatics staff may not be able to accommodate.
• Groups should contact the Aquatics Program Supervisor, Caylea Housh, or 319-356-5471.

Iowa City Parks and Recreation uses Rainout Line to communicate cancellation information. Please refer to Rainout Line for up-to-date notifications regarding pool closures and delays due to weather, or maintenance. 

There are three ways to check or sign up for updates:

• Download the free app to your phone by searching Rainout Line.
• Visit rainoutline.com and search for "Iowa City Parks and Recreation."
• Call 319-346-7080 and listen for prompts.