Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan announced on Thursday the opening of six public pools in the city this summer that will be providing free swim lessons to 300 children, adding time for passive programming at every pool, and introducing new measures designed to create a safer, more enjoyable experience for residents and families.
The pools will open beginning July 1, and will operate through Sept. 7.
The outdoor pools (Centennial, JFK, Kensington, Masten, and Riverside) will be open from 11 a.m.-to-7 p.m. five days per-week, including one weekend day each. The indoor Connors, Kait, Harrity Memorial Pool at Cazenovia Park will be open Monday through Friday.
In total, five pools are scheduled to be open every weekday, with three pools open on Saturdays and two pools open on Sundays.
All 10 city splash pads will operate seven days a week from 11 a.m.-to-7 p.m. through the summer season (weather dependent).
“Our goal was simple: Open as many pools as possible and make them destinations for families throughout the summer,” said Ryan on Thursday. “We’re not just opening pools. We’re creating safe, welcoming spaces where residents can swim, learn, exercise, and spend time together in their neighborhoods.”
The expanded pool programming is highlighted by a new partnership with the City Swim Project to provide free swim lessons to 300 Buffalo children ages 4-to-14 this summer, with classes at the JFK, Kensington, Masten, and Riverside pools. The program is being funded through a $50,000 New York State grant secured by State Assemblyman Jon Rivera.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim, regardless of their family’s income or background. That's why I was proud to secure $50,000 in state funding to support this partnership between the City of Buffalo and the City Swim Project,” said Rivera. “These free swim lessons will help hundreds of Buffalo children build confidence, develop a lifelong skill, and stay safe around the water.”
For the first time, the city will also block out time for passive programming at every public pool throughout the summer season. Under this initiative, time and space in the pool will be reserved for self-directed activities, including lap swim, senior swim, family swim, teen swim, and "Me and My Grown Up" sessions designed for young children and their caregivers. This will help ensure that pools can serve residents of all ages and abilities, and provide opportunities for recreation beyond traditional open swim hours.
Additional pop-up programming events will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to expanded programming, the city is implementing new measures to improve pool safety for the 2026 season, including additional security personnel to support pool staff and help ensure a positive environment for swimmers and families.
Pools will open beginning July 1 and operate through Sept. 7
Pools will open beginning July 1 and operate through Sept. 7
