Summer Isn’t Over! Sioux Falls Residents Fight To Keep Pools Open

There was an outrage among Sioux Falls residents late last week when it was announced city pools were to close on Sunday, August 9th. Apparently, Sioux Falls was not a fan of summer ending early.

After outcries of keeping pools open longer, the City of Sioux Falls heard your voices and will keep the City Outdoor Pools open an extra week.

Get our free mobile app

Ingram Publishing

Why Did The City of Sioux Falls Change The Closing Date for Pools?

According to a press release from the City of Sioux Falls, the outdoor pools were set to close earlier due to summer staffing issues and late attendance. However, attendance overall went up the pools. In 2025, 133,215 visitors went to the outdoor aquatic facilities. That number doubled this year, and the City of Sioux Falls welcomed 167,250 visitors this summer.

When officials with the City of Sioux Falls first announced the last day that City Outdoor Pools will be opened would be August 9th, it caused an uproar on social media. Hours later, there was a change of heart. The City's Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Brett Kollars made the unexpected and exciting update that pools will be open until Sunday, August 16th.

"The good news is the community gets another week to enjoy our outdoor pools. "We thank the community for their patience as we make this first year of adjustments to our outdoor pools closure schedule. For those interested in aquatic opportunities year-round, we encourage residents to enjoy the Midco Aquatic Center and Westside Recreation Center."

The city still plans to keep splash pads open once the outdoor pools close. Here are those adjusted schedules and seasonal closing dates:

I guess when you make enough noise about something you don't like, people really do listen in Sioux Falls!

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation (via Facebook)

Don't forget about the End-of-Season Splash: Swimming Gone to the Dogs! Find all the details here.