By 
May 19, 2026
In recreation, the term “green spaces” commonly refers to parks and outdoor areas that encourage activities such as exercise, picnics and play. During Alabama summers, though, the typical heat and humidity combo often leaves outdoor enthusiasts looking for a cooler oasis.
Just as Huntsville Parks & Recreation offers green spaces throughout the city, it also offers “blue spaces” – aquatic facilities that provide residents with opportunities to cool off, stay active and connect with the community throughout the summer season.
Whether you’re looking to swim laps, introduce swimming or simply escape the summer heat, Parks & Recreation’s aquatic facilities offer something for everyone.
Parks & Recreation’s aquatic amenities include two public indoor swimming facilities. The City also has three splash pads that open May 22.
“Parks & Recreation’s aquatic facilities are designed to serve residents of all ages and experience levels,” said aquatic activities manager David Kalange. “From lap swimming to water aerobics and family recreation, these spaces help the community stay active, connected and safe around the water.”
Huntsville Aquatics Center
The Huntsville Aquatics Center, 2213 Drake Ave. SW, is a 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. The center includes three large pools and a terrace overlooking the Brahan Spring Park lagoon.
The Huntsville Aquatics Center offers a variety of programming, including family swim, lap swim, water exercise classes, diving and water polo. The facility’s Instructional Pool, Legacy Pool and Competition Pool provide opportunities for both casual recreation and skill development.
“Aquatic programming gives Huntsville residents a safe and welcoming place to learn, exercise, compete and spend time together,” said Huntsville Aquatic Center’s swimming activities supervisor Katie Winton. “The Huntsville Aquatics Center serves people of all ages and skill levels.”
Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool
The Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool, 4600 Blue Spring Rd. NW, offers a variety of swim times and group exercise classes. The pool features two one-meter Durafirm diving boards and maintains a comfortable water temperature of 84-85 degrees.
The indoor pool at the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center includes activities such as adult lap swim, water exercise classes and lounge swim.
Casual swimming is a great way to combine physical activity with family fun. Family swim at the Huntsville Aquatics Center and public swim at the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool provide opportunities to cool off, enjoy healthy recreation and create lasting summer memories.
For residents seeking low-impact exercise, water aerobics and lap swimming at both facilities offer effective ways to stay active.
Activities like water polo and diving help swimmers build skills, confidence and experience in the water.
“The most rewarding part of working in aquatics is being able to have a positive impact on the community in a variety of ways,” said Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool’s swimming activities supervisor Scott Tucker. “Many beginners have some fear or anxiety about the water. Being able to help people overcome that and seeing how excited they get the first time they swim across the pool or jump off the diving board puts a smile on everyone’s face.”
Admission options include:
- $4 daily admission
- $70 individual 3-month season pass
- $140 family 3-month season pass for up to five children
- $90 30-visit punch card valid for one year
For more information about offerings at the Huntsville Aquatics Center, please call 256-883-3700.
For more information about offerings at the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool, please call 256-851-4003.
Splash Pads
Swimming may be a bit advanced for some young children but you’re never too young to run through sprays of water. Cooling off at a splash pad can be the perfect way for kids to stay active during the summer months. Parks & Recreation’s three splash pads offer families a free, low-barrier way to enjoy water play while giving kids a safe space to burn off energy and beat the heat. They also provide an easy addition to any family’s summer routine.
Three City of Huntsville splash pads are open to the public throughout the summer season.
- Bicentennial Park Splash Pad, 315 Fountain Circle SW
- Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Splash Pad, 4600 Blue Spring Rd. NW
- Everybody Can Play Splash Pad, 3771 Ivy Ave. SW
City of Huntsville splash pads will open for the 2026 summer season on Friday, May 22. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a family member who is at least 16 years old.
Safety
Summer aquatic recreation creates lasting memories, and safety remains the most important part of any aquatic experience. May is Water Safety Awareness Month, a reminder that everyone plays a role in helping keep pools safe and enjoyable.
While Huntsville Parks & Recreation pools are staffed with certified lifeguards, swimmers and families are encouraged to take their own precautions by actively supervising children, following posted pool rules and practicing smart water safety habits.
Additional water safety resources are available through the National Water Safety Month campaign.
When recreation and safety work together, aquatic spaces become more than places to cool off. They become places where families connect, residents stay active and communities thrive.
“Parks & Recreation is proud to serve residents of all ages through our aquatic facilities,” said Director James Gossett. “From fitness programs to splash pads and open swim opportunities, these spaces help residents stay active and connected.”
