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Label:
Swim pool (outdoor)
Ida B. Wells pool is closed for the season and is scheduled to re-open June 18, 2026.
Free Swim Week
Join us for Free Swim Week which provides free swim lessons to Portlanders of all ages and ability levels. Lessons are one week long and take place Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26.
Register for Free Swim Week in person Friday, June 12 from 4 to 7pm at any Portland Parks & Recreation Pool. Online registration available at 7:30pm.
View PP&R swimming information, including activity descriptions, pool rules and policies, admission fees, and more.
- During drop-in swimming times, everyone must pay admission, even if they are not getting in the water. Pool capacities are limited.
- NEW as of February 2, 2026: Oregon pool code, OAR 333-062-1000, 6.4.2.2.3(14), now requires that all swimmers under the age of 14 must be under the direct supervision of a person aged 18 years or older for all play swims.
- Infants, toddlers, weak swimmers and children under 48" in height must always be supervised in the water by a person aged 18 years or older who remains within arm's reach.
- 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.
Play Swim Schedule
View activity descriptions and information
- 7/18 - Open Swim begins at 12:30pm
- 8/15 - Open Swim begins at 2pm
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30 to 8pm Open Swim | 12:30 to 8pm Open Swim | 12:30 to 8pm Open Swim | 12:30 to 8pm Open Swim | 12:30 to 8pm Open Swim | 12:00 to 6pm Open Swim | 12:00 to 6pm Open Swim |
Lap Swim Schedule
- Current Channel Run/Walk begins on 6/22 and is for ages 14 and older
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10am to 12:15pm Lap Swim | 10am to 12:15pm Lap Swim | 10am to 12:15pm Lap Swim | 10am to 12:15pm Lap Swim | 10am to 12:15pm Lap Swim | ||
| 10am to 12:15pm Current Channel Run/Walk | 10am to 12:15pm Current Channel Run/Walk | 10am to 12:15pm Current Channel Run/Walk | 10am to 12:15pm Current Channel Run/Walk | 10am to 12:15pm Current Channel Run/Walk |
Swim Lessons
Lessons are limited and vary by pool. Not all levels are offered at all times. Learn more about swim lesson levels.
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 Outdoor Pool
Registration Dates
Summer 2026: Activities, including camps, take place from June 22 through September 27. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
- May 14 for camps and activities that are held June 22 through July 26
- June 11 for camps and activities that are held July 27 through August 23
Map
Year acquired
1957
Size in acres
0.52
History
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.