View PP&R swimming information, including activity descriptions, pool rules and policies, admission fees, and more. Learn about the pool's name, Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool.
- Non-swimmers and children under 48 inches tall must always have a caregiver aged 16 or older in the water within arm’s reach.
- Children under 10 years old must always have a caregiver on-site.
- Life jackets are available to use while swimming.
Drop-in Swim Schedule
During drop-in swimming times, everyone must pay admission, even if they are not getting in the water. Pool capacities are limited.
| Activity | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Swim | 12:30-8:00pm | 12:30-8:00pm | 12:30-8:00pm | 12:30-8:00pm | 12:30-8:00pm | 12:00-6:00pm | 12:00-6:00pm |
| Lap Swim | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | - |
| Current Channel Run/Walk | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | 10:00am-12:15pm | - | - |
Summer Swim Lessons
Summer swim lessons take place from June 30 through August 22. Lessons are limited and vary by pool. Not all levels are offered at all times. Private and semi-private lessons are not available. Learn more about the PP&R swim lesson program.
View swim lessons offered at Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool
Registration Dates
- Thursday, May 15, beginning at 9:30am
- Session 1: June 30 – July 11 (no class 7/4)
- Session 2: July 14 – July 25
- Thursday, June 12, beginning at 9:30am
- Session 3: July 28 – August 8
- Session 4: August 11 – August 22
Free Learn to Swim Lessons: June 23 - 27
- Register in person at any PP&R pool on June 13 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.
- Online registration for free swim lessons will begin June 13 at 7:00 pm.
The first Wilson Outdoor Pool was constructed in 1957 and opened in the summer of 1958, through an agreement with Portland Public Schools. In 2005, Wilson Pool received major renovations with funds from the 2002 Parks Levy.
In 2022, Wilson Outdoor Pool was renamed Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool through a community naming process. Former President Woodrow Wilson was known to have racist and segregationist views.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931) was honored for her significant legacy as a Black female journalist, civil rights advocate, educator, and researcher. She was known for her leadership speaking out against lynching and fighting for women’s suffrage. She spoke and wrote to President Wilson in protest of segregation and discriminatory hiring practices.
Accessibility Notes
All-User Changing Rooms
Ida B. Wells Outdoor Pool facilities feature one all-user changing room.
Zero Depth Entry
The leisure pool has a zero depth entry (sloped entrance from land to water). Pool-accessible wheelchair available for Leisure pool.
Lifts
Lifts with straps available for access to Lap pool.