As temperatures begin to rise and summer officially makes its return, families across the area are getting ready for one of the most anticipated seasonal traditions: pool season! After a long North Dakota winter and a chilly spring, local pools are preparing to reopen their gates, bringing back afternoons filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of splashing.

Bailey Program and Event Coordinator at Minot Parks District stated the staff members have been hard at work preparing facilities for opening day. Staff members are cleaning pools, testing water filtration systems, reviewing safety procedures, and training lifeguards to ensure visitors can enjoy a safe and welcoming environment all season long.

One local favorite the community is excited to see reopen is Roosevelt Park Pool. The pool was closed for the 2025 summer season due to the next phase of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project (MREFPP), a major infrastructure and park improvement initiative designed to protect the park and zoo from future flooding.
During the closure, Roosevelt Park Pool also replaced its aging filtration system, which had survived the devastating 2011 floods. This summer, there will still be construction present, and the path to parking and entering the park will be evolving.

Bailey said that “Even though they are excited to open this year, visitor safety remains the facility’s highest priority as crews prepare for reopening day.” Currently, they aim to reopen the gates on June 5th. Their pool has space for all ages of the family, with a kiddie pool, smaller slides, and a large slide. They do not allow outside food or beverages other than water; however, they do have a concession stand for a quick snack! Season passes for individuals are priced at $65, while family season passes for up to six members are available for $180. A daily ticket to the pool is $5.00, and children under 5 are free! The community of Minot can enjoy the fun of Roosevelt Park Pool seven days a week from 12–8 p.m.

Another summertime favorite is the Minot AFB Outdoor Pool. Swimming remains one of the best ways for families to stay active during the warmer months.

John Young, Marketing Coordinator at the 5th Force Support Squadron said, “We are stoked that the pool will remain free for entry this year as well!”

He also mentioned that the Minot AFB community can enjoy the cool waters of the outdoor pool Monday- Saturday 12pm- 7pm, pending the weather agrees, stating that “ All weather plays a factor in the safe operation of the pool (wind, ambient temperature, precipitation) But ultimately it is reliant on comfortable water temperatures for swimming which is defined as 78 degrees or warmer. All pool closure and status updates will be posted on our new Facebook page, “5 FSS Fitness and Adventure”, in real time!

As long as mother nature agrees, the opening day will be May 22, 2026.

The Minot AFB Outdoor Pool will also have two lanes open on a first-come, first-served basis for lap swimming during operational hours, an age guideline for kids left unattended if they pass a basic swim test explaining that new pool supervision guidelines outline age-based rules for children and teens attending the pool this season. Children 10 and under must be directly supervised by someone age 16 or older, while children ages 11–13 may attend without supervision only after passing a swim test that includes swimming 12 meters, treading water for one minute, and exiting the pool independently. Teens ages 16–17 may supervise up to three children if they have completed American Red Cross Babysitting Training and have proper authorization on file.

Lifeguards will be on duty at both pools this summer and will continue reminding swimmers of the importance of water safety, especially for young children. Adult supervision, following posted pool rules, and remaining aware of swimming abilities can help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

After months of harsh freezing weather and indoor routines, the Minot community is ready to soak up the sunshine and dive headfirst into summer fun.