Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department

06/10/2026

Due to construction delays at City Park Pool, the indoor pool at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center is extending open swim hours for the 2026 summer season, starting Saturday, June 13, 2026.

The extended schedule at the Robert A. Lee pool will include the following open-swim hours:

Monday - Thursday: 6:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Friday: 6:15 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday: 6:15 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: 5 - 8 p.m.

These extended hours will end on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. During this time, the Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool will have normal hours of operation. For more information, visit the City of Iowa City aquatics webpage at icgov.org/Pools.

06/10/2026

❗Temporary pool and locker room closure at Mercer Park Aquatic Center postponed❗

The maintenance work previously scheduled for the Mercer Park Aquatic Center on Thursday, June 11, has been postponed. Once finalized, the updated closure date will be announced publicly.

Previous post from June 5, 2026:

The Mercer Park Aquatic Center's pool and locker rooms will be closed on Thursday, June 11, 2026, for water heater maintenance. The lobby restrooms will remain open during this time, but will not have hot water. The pool and locker rooms will reopen and resume normal operations on Friday, June 12, 2026.
During this time, the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center pool will be open as regularly scheduled and available for use. View Iowa City Parks and Recreation pool schedules for more information.

06/05/2026

🐦Take flight on a feathered adventure and discover how birds connect the world around us!

Explore the amazing world of three different birds at three different locations. With citizen science activities, learn how birds, insects, and plants are all connected, why protecting them matters, and what you can do at home to help. This series is led by Bird Friendly Iowa.

Ages 7+ | $6 fee

📅 Tuesday, June 16
⏰ 9 - 10:30 a.m.

June 16 at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
June 23 at Waterworks Prairie Park
June 30 at the East Side Recycling Center

06/05/2026

We have an important update regarding City Park Pool.

Due to ongoing construction delays, City Park Pool will not open in 2026 and is now expected to open in 2027. We know this news is disappointing, and we sincerely apologize to everyone who has been looking forward to making memories at the new facility this summer.

While this delay is frustrating, we're committed to getting the project right. The new City Park Pool will offer expanded aquatic opportunities, improved accessibility, and modern amenities that will serve our community for decades to come.

In the meantime, Iowa City Parks and Recreation will continue to offer plenty of ways to stay active and connected this summer, including expanded indoor swimming hours, special events, recreation programs, and family activities throughout the community.

Thank you for your patience and support. We truly believe this pool will be worth the wait.

06/05/2026

❗Temporary Mercer Park Aquatic Center Pool and Locker Room Closure❗

The Mercer Park Aquatic Center's pool and locker rooms will be closed on Thursday, June 11, 2026, for water heater maintenance. The lobby restrooms will remain open during this time, but will not have hot water. The pool and locker rooms will reopen and resume normal operations on Friday, June 12, 2026.

During this time, the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center pool will be open as regularly scheduled and available for use. View Iowa City Parks and Recreation pool schedules at icgov.org/Pools.

06/05/2026

Party in the Park is almost here! Gather with neighbors for the Party in the Park series! This event series will feature live music, hands-on STEAM Investigation Stations, visits from the lowa City Book Mobile, and outdoor recreation at your favorite parks.

📅 Thursdays:
June 18 - James Alan McPherson Park
June 25 - Fairmeadows Park
July 9- Calder Park
July 16 - Mercer Park
July 23 - Willow Creek Park
July 30 - Cardigan Park
August 6 - College Green Park
August 13 - Adelaide Joy Rogers Park

⏰ 6:30 - 8 p.m.
💰 No Fee

06/04/2026

Summer PLAY DAZE are almost here! Enjoy free arts, crafts, theatre, games, and STEAM fun for ages 3-8. Caregiver required under 12. Sensory tent available.

📅 Thursdays:
June 18 - James Allen McPherson Park
June 25 - Fairmeadows Park
July 9 - Calder Park
July 16- Mercer Park
July 23 - Willow Creek
July 30 - Cardigan Park

⏰ 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
💰 No Fee

06/01/2026

❗️Robert A. Lee Pool Update❗️

The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center pool will reopen for regular hours at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2026!

Hours for the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center pool and the Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool can be found at icgov.org/aquatics.

05/31/2026

❗️Pool Closure Notice❗️

The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Pool will be closed until further notice due to a mechanical issue with the chemical feeder. An announcement will be made once the pool reopens.

During this time, the Mercer Park Aquatic Center Pool will be open as regularly scheduled and available for use. View Iowa City Parks and Recreation pool schedules at icgov.org/Pools.

05/30/2026