Oshawa residents can finally return to Rotary Park’s outdoor pool as the redeveloped recreation facility opens with two free public swim sessions on Wednesday, July 22.
The Oshawa Rotary Pool opening marks the completion of a long-awaited municipal project that transformed the park south of downtown into a modern recreation destination.
The first complimentary swim runs from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by a second session from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the City will enforce the pool’s capacity limits.
The regular Rotary Pool leisure-swim schedule takes effect on Thursday, July 23.
Oshawa Rotary Pool Features New Aquatic Areas
The rebuilt facility includes a four-lane outdoor pool, a zero-entry section and a separate toddler pool area.
The wider park redevelopment also includes a destination playground, splash pad, improved pathways, parking and additional site amenities. The project was selected as the legacy initiative for Oshawa’s centennial celebrations and received partial funding from the federal government.
Although the pool, playground and splash pad are ready for visitors, the City says the contractor is still completing minor finishing work around the property.
The former Rotary Pool closed after the 2019 season when significant structural deterioration was discovered. The replacement project subsequently faced changing schedules and rising construction costs before reaching its opening date.
Free Season Passes Available to Residents
Oshawa residents can use the outdoor facility for free throughout its first summer by obtaining a Rotary Pool Season Pass.
The free pass allows residents to attend scheduled drop-in leisure swims, subject to capacity, and register for available swimming lessons. Lessons are limited to one week per participant and are offered on a first-registered basis.
Residents can apply online or register in person at the Civic Recreation Complex, Delpark Homes Centre, Donevan Recreation Complex or South Oshawa Community Centre.
Proof of Oshawa residency is required, and passes cannot be transferred to another person. Non-residents and people without a season pass must pay the applicable leisure-swimming admission fee after the opening-day sessions.
Families Should Review Pool Rules
Children must be actively supervised in the water by a guardian during leisure swims. One guardian may supervise no more than two children under the City’s opening-day requirements.
Families should review the City’s swimming admission requirements before visiting. Severe weather could also result in a delayed or cancelled swim, with updates posted through Oshawa’s service-disruption page.
Lockers are available on the pool deck, but visitors must bring their own locks to secure personal belongings.
Additional Parking Available Nearby
Parking at Rotary Park is limited.
The City says additional parking is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Durham Alternative Secondary School, located at 240 Simcoe Street South, until September 1.
Visitors can also park at Village Union Public School, located at 155 Gibb Street, until August 23. Pedestrians are encouraged to use the crosswalk at Centre Street South and Gibb Street and follow the marked routes leading to the pool.
The Oshawa Rotary Pool reopening restores a recreation destination that local families had used for generations while adding accessible aquatic and playground features.
Residents planning to swim after opening day should obtain their season pass, review the current schedule and check for service disruptions before leaving home.
