Jump in, GR! Free youth pool passes are back for summer 2026

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation is bringing back free outdoor pool passes for City youth, with registration now open for the summer season.

Like last year, City residents ages 17 and under can receive free season pass by signing up before the free registration period closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 25. Parents and guardians 18 years and older can register their youth for the free pass at grparks.info/poolpass26.

“We’re thrilled to offer free pool passes for City youth again this year,” said Laura Cleypool, parks and recreation director. “Our pools play an important part in providing safe, fun spaces for our community each summer and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue offering a free pass option.”

Adults can also purchase their pool passes in advance. All pool guests, regardless of swim intent, will be required to purchase a pass this year to enter the pool deck area. No daily rates will be offered. Starting May 26, season passes will be available at the following rates:

• Residents: $5 (children), $10 (adults)
• Nonresidents: $10 (children), $20 (adults)

New this year, pass holders may choose to link an ID card to their account instead of receiving a pool pass cards. ID cards such as driver’s licenses, school IDs, and more, that include a name, photo, and barcode are eligible for use.

For those who prefer or need a pool pass card, one free card will be provided to each registrant (adults and youth). Replacement cards will be $5 each. All unaccompanied minors will leave their pass cards at the front desk upon entry and can pick it up when they leave.

Pool pass cards can be picked up during an individual’s first pool visit of the season or by attending an in-person pick-up night. Pick-up nights will be:

• Briggs Park Pool: May 12, 5 to 8 p.m.
• MLK Park Pool: May 19, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Richmond Park Pool: May 5, 5 to 8 p.m.

Pools and splashpads are set to open June 6. All three outdoor pools will have the same operating hours:

• Tuesdays through Thursdays – noon to 7 p.m.
• Fridays – noon to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays – noon to 7 p.m.
• Sundays – noon to 5 p.m.
• Mondays – closed for routine cleaning and maintenance

Ongoing information will be available through the department’s social media accounts, @grparksandrec on Facebook and Instagram. For more information and to register for a pool pass, visit grparks.info/poolpass26.

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