Veterans Memorial Pool: 2026 Guide to Locations, Hours, and Benefits
A Veterans Memorial Pool is a public aquatic facility named to honor U.S. military veterans, offering swimming, water play, and recreational activities for communities across the United States. These pools often provide free or discounted admission for veterans, active-duty service members, and military families as a gesture of gratitude for their service. Veterans Memorial Pools can be outdoor seasonal facilities or indoor year-round venues, each with its own schedule, amenities, and rules.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Free or discounted admission for veterans and military members; community recreation |
| Eligibility | Veterans, active-duty service members, military families; varies by location |
| Typical Season | Late May – early September (outdoor pools); year-round (indoor pools) |
| Typical Hours | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (varies by location) |
| Official Agency | City Parks and Recreation Departments |
| Required ID | Military ID, VA ID, or DD-214 for veteran discounts |
| Updated For | 2026 season |
What Is a Veterans Memorial Pool?
A Veterans Memorial Pool is a public swimming pool, often named to honor veterans from the local community. These facilities serve as recreational hubs for families, children, and individuals of all ages. Most feature amenities like lap lanes, zero-depth beach entries, water slides, and dedicated areas for children.
Who qualifies for benefits: Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and sometimes their families. Many locations offer free admission or discounted passes for veterans with valid identification .
Why it matters: These pools provide affordable recreation for military families and honor the service of veterans by name. Many facilities also host community events, swim lessons, and special programs throughout the summer season.
What veterans should do next: Contact your local Parks and Recreation department to confirm veteran discount policies, season dates, and hours of operation.
Featured Veterans Memorial Pool Locations
Newport, Kentucky – Veterans Memorial Pool
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Newport, KY |
| Season | May 23 – August 9, 2026 |
| Hours | Sun–Thu: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Admission | Children 4 & under: FREE; Ages 5–11: $3; Ages 12–Adult: $5; Seniors 65+: FREE; Military: FREE |
| Pool Passes | Single: $60; Family (5): $175; Institutional: $350 |
This pool offers pool parties and has FREE lifeguard classes available .
Cedar Park, Texas – Veterans Memorial Pool
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2525 W New Hope Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613 |
| Season | Open through Labor Day weekend; closes for season September 2 |
| Features | 8,300 sq ft outdoor facility, zero-depth beach, water playscape with dump bucket, dive platform, drop slide |
| Admission | Under 3: FREE; Ages 3–17: $4; Ages 18–59: $6; Ages 60+: $4; **Military: $4** |
| Special Programs | Poolapalooza (May 25), Sensory Swim for special needs (June 14, July 11) |
This pool features a maximum capacity of 450 and offers private rentals Friday–Sunday evenings .
Pleasant Grove, Utah – Veterans Memorial Outdoor Pool
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Pleasant Grove, UT |
| Season | May 21 – September 7, 2026 |
| Hours | Mon–Fri: 1:30 PM – 6:55 PM; Sat: 12:30 PM – 6:55 PM; Sunday: Closed |
| Lap Swim | Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM; Daytime: variable |
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityChildren under 9 must be accompanied by an adult (16+). Passholders with children aged 6 may request a proficiency test for independent swimming .
South Windsor, Connecticut – Veterans Memorial Park Pool
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | South Windsor, CT |
| Season | May 30 – September 1, 2026 |
| Veteran Pass (Resident) | $45 (individual, 18+) |
| Veteran Pass (Non-Resident) | $30 (monthly, June only) |
Passes must be purchased in person with proof of military service and residency. Passes do not guarantee entry if the pool reaches capacity .
Cambridge, Massachusetts – Veterans Memorial Pool (Magazine Beach)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 719 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 |
| Hours | 11:15 AM – 6:45 PM daily |
| Admission | FREE |
| Features | Indoor facility, clean and spacious, scenic view of the canal |
This pool is noted for being free and well-maintained. Visitors recommend bringing sunscreen as there is limited shade. Nearby Trader Joe’s and Starbucks are convenient .
Veteran Benefits at Veterans Memorial Pools
Many Veterans Memorial Pools offer special benefits for those who have served:
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Free Admission | Newport, KY offers free admission for military with ID |
| Discounted Admission | Cedar Park, TX charges $4 for military vs. $6 for adults |
| Veteran Season Passes | South Windsor, CT offers $45 resident veteran passes |
| Special Events | Sensory Swim programs, military appreciation days |
How to access veteran benefits: Present a valid military ID, VA ID card, or DD-214 at the ticket booth or when purchasing a season pass .
2026 Veterans Memorial Pool Comparison Table
| Location | Season | Hours | Military Admission | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport, KY | May 23 – Aug 9 | Sun–Thu noon–6pm; Fri–Sat noon–8pm | FREE | Private parties, lifeguard classes |
| Cedar Park, TX | Through Sep 2 | 12pm–7pm (varies) | $4 | Zero-depth beach, dump bucket, sensory swim |
| Pleasant Grove, UT | May 21 – Sep 7 | Mon–Fri 1:30–6:55pm; Sat 12:30–6:55pm | Varies | Morning lap swim, children’s proficiency test |
| South Windsor, CT | May 30 – Sep 1 | Variable | $45 resident pass | Must purchase in person with ID |
| Cambridge, MA | Mid-Jun – Aug 21 | 11:15am–6:45pm | FREE | Indoor, scenic canal view |
Special Programs and Events
Poolapalooza – Memorial Day Celebration
Cedar Park, TX hosts Poolapalooza on Memorial Day (May 25, 2026) from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Veterans Memorial Pool. The event features music, food, and fun in the sun with regular admission rates applying .
Sensory Swim Program
Cedar Park offers Sensory Swim mornings where individuals with special needs can enjoy the pool in a relaxed environment with family and friends. Scheduled for June 14 and July 11, 2026, from 9:30–11:30 AM .
Private Pool Parties
Newport, KY offers pool parties for up to 75 people for $300 with a $200 refundable deposit. Friday and Saturday parties run 8:00–10:00 PM; Sunday–Thursday parties run 7:00–9:00 PM . Cedar Park, TX also offers private rentals Friday–Sunday evenings .
Lifeguard Training
Newport, KY offers FREE lifeguard classes for individuals 15 years and older. Contact the Parks and Recreation department for details .
Pool Rules and Safety Information
Children under 9: Must be accompanied by an adult (16+) in the water at Pleasant Grove, UT .
Capacity limits: Pools may close entry when reaching capacity. Newport, KY and other facilities note that passes do not guarantee entry .
Pool checks: Water quality tests are conducted periodically, requiring brief closures .
Proficiency tests: Some pools offer tests for children aged 6 to swim independently .
Refund policy: Season passes are typically non-refundable .
Common Questions
Does Veterans Memorial Pool offer free admission for veterans?
Yes, some locations offer free admission for military with ID. Newport, KY provides free admission, while Cedar Park, TX offers a discounted rate of $4. Check your local pool for specific policies .
When does the Veterans Memorial Pool open for the 2026 season?
Opening dates vary. Newport, KY opens May 23; Pleasant Grove, UT opens May 21; and South Windsor, CT opens May 30. Outdoor pools typically close around Labor Day .
What are the hours of operation?
Hours vary by location and day of the week. For example, Newport, KY is open noon–6pm Sunday–Thursday and noon–8pm Friday–Saturday. Cambridge, MA is open 11:15am–6:45pm daily .
Are there season passes available for veterans?
Yes. South Windsor, CT offers resident veteran passes for $45 and non-resident monthly passes for $30. Passes must be purchased in person with proof of military service .
What amenities do Veterans Memorial Pools have?
Amenities vary but can include zero-depth beach areas, water playscapes, dump buckets, dive platforms, slides, lap lanes, and shaded seating areas .
Does Veterans Memorial Pool host special events?
Yes, Cedar Park, TX hosts Poolapalooza on Memorial Day and Sensory Swim programs for individuals with special needs .
Is there an indoor Veterans Memorial Pool?
Yes, the Cambridge, MA Veterans Memorial Pool is an indoor facility offering swimming and gym amenities .
Can I host a private pool party?
Yes, Newport, KY and Cedar Park, TX both offer private rentals. Newport charges $300 for up to 75 people. Cedar Park offers shade and pool rentals for groups .
How do I get a veteran discount?
Present a valid military ID, VA ID card, or DD-214 at the ticket booth or when purchasing a pass. South Windsor requires in-person purchase with proof of service .
What is the maximum capacity?
Cedar Park, TX has a maximum capacity of 450 patrons .
What is the 36-month recoupment rule for VA loans?
VA regulations require that the monthly savings from an IRRRL refinance cover the total closing costs within 36 months to protect veterans from refinancing when savings are too small.
Key Takeaways
Veterans Memorial Pools across the U.S. offer free or discounted admission for veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.
The 2026 outdoor pool season typically runs from late May through Labor Day, with hours varying by location.
Cedar Park, TX features an 8,300 sq ft aquatic facility with zero-depth beach, water playscape, and dive platform.
Newport, KY offers free military admission, private pool parties, and free lifeguard classes.
South Windsor, CT offers resident veteran season passes for $45, available in person with proof of service.
Cambridge, MA provides a free indoor pool with scenic canal views.
Special programs include Sensory Swim for individuals with special needs and Memorial Day Poolapalooza events.
Military ID, VA ID, or DD-214 is typically required to access veteran discounts.
Pool rules vary—check your local facility for capacity limits, age requirements, and safety guidelines.
Veterans should contact their local Parks and Recreation department for the most current season schedules.
Official Resources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): https://www.va.gov
VA Health Care – Benefits: https://www.va.gov/health-care/
USA.gov – Veterans Resources: https://www.usa.gov/veterans
City Parks and Recreation Departments: Check your local city website for specific Veterans Memorial Pool information
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
