Phoenix to convert neighborhood pools to splash pads, add regional pools
Big changes are coming to some parks in west and south Phoenix.
The Parks Department says five neighborhood pools with aging infrastructure and little to no shade or amenities that are difficult to staff will be converted to splash pads. The parks are: Alkire, Grant, University, Marivue, and Holiday.
In addition to converting pools to splash pads, the city will build larger, heated pools with zero depth entry, dive boards, slides, and play and swimming lesson areas at Harmon Park in south Phoenix and Maryvale Park in west Phoenix.
“We would give the neighborhood a regional pool that could be open more on a year round basis with more amenities, and repurpose those pools into splash pads that would be open for even greater than a typical summer pool season. So they would now have an option of a splash pad nearby, or a regional pool,” said Cynthia Aguilar, parks and recreation department director.
The concept was part of $64 million in bonds for parks and recreation approved by voters in November 2023. Construction is not expected before 2026.
