Madison Expands Aquatic Centers, Drawing Swimmers of All Ages

Madison Parks and Recreation reported 1,850 registrations for summer swim sessions by July 1, up from 1,420 the previous year, with classes running at multiple outdoor pools through August 28.

The increase comes as residents seek low-impact group exercise after indoor gym closures during recent winters and amid city health data showing 28 percent of adults meet weekly activity guidelines. Aquatic programs fill a gap for families and older adults who find land-based classes too strenuous, with sessions scheduled around work and school hours on the east and west sides.

East Side and West Side Venues

The Goodman Pool at 4002 E. Broadway serves the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood with a 25-yard lap lane reserved for adult fitness swims at 6:30 a.m. weekdays and a parent-child splash program on Saturday mornings. Two blocks north, the Warner Park Beach facility offers shallow-water aerobics three evenings a week for participants over 55. On the west side, the Elver Park Pool at 1250 McKenna Blvd runs beginner stroke clinics for ages 8 to 12 and a noon-time arthritis swim group that meets twice weekly in the therapy pool.

Both sites accept the city’s reduced-fee passes for households earning under $62,000, allowing unlimited access during public hours for $35 per season. Instructors at these locations completed a 12-hour certification through the local YMCA branch on South Mills Street before the season opened.

Registration and Next Steps

Remaining spots for the July 15 to August 2 block opened online at 9 a.m. on July 10 through the Madison Parks portal, with walk-up registration available at the Warner Park community center on Northport Drive. Families can also attend a free open-water safety orientation at the Goodman Pool on July 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. before committing to paid classes. City staff advise checking the Parks website or calling the aquatic office at 266-4750 for current availability and any weather-related schedule changes.