Make a Splash: PARA Aquatic Facilities Officially Open

The Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) is thrilled to announce the official opening of all our outdoor aquatics facilities for the summer season. PARA Aquatics oversees seven aquatic facilities (3 outdoor), nine pools, four super slides, and many different spray features. Each facility is unique and offers different amenities for PARA members and the public. Residents and visitors are invited to dive into the fun!

Splash Into Summer at Our Outdoor Facilities:
 

• Harrison Taylor Splash Pad at Palmore Park – 3701 Fosters Ferry Road, Tuscaloosa
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9AM-2PM | Sunday: 1-5PM
     
• Bowers Park Pool – 2101 Bowers Park Drive
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11AM-6PM | Sunday: 1-5PM
     
• Freeman Pool – 3001 Dragons Lane
  • Hours:
    • Monday-Thursday: 9AM-12PM (Swim to the Top program* only)
    • Tuesday-Thursday: 1-3PM (Groups only by reservation)
    • Friday: CLOSED
    • Saturday: 11AM-2PM (FREE open swim)
    • Sunday: CLOSED
       

Join Our Pool Membership for Summer Fun:

Our Summer Pool Pass Membership offers access to all our outdoor and indoor pools, including:

• Nancie Blewitt Swim Complex at Bowers Park
• Harrison Taylor Splash Pad at Palmore Park
• Freeman Pool
   

Membership Pricing:

• Individual: $99
• Family: $129 (includes up to two adults and four children in the same household. Additional family members can be added for $10 each.)
   

Discounts Available:

• Seniors (Age 62+): 10%
• Corporate: 10%
• PARA Members: 20%
   

Comprehensive Swim Programs for All Ages and Levels:

PARA offers a range of swim lessons from beginner to intermediate, pre-team, and team aquatics. While beginner sessions are full, there are limited spots available for other levels. Interested swimmers must attend an evaluation on the first day of the session.
 

Summer Swim Schedule:

• Beginners, Intermediates:

  • Session 1: June 3rd – June 20th | $99 per child*
  • Session 2: June 24th – July 11th | $99 per child*
  • *Sign up for both sessions at the same time and save $10!
     

• Pre-Team:

  • Session 1: June 3rd – June 20th | $80 per child*
  • Session 2: June 24th – July 11th | $80 per child*
  • *Sign up for both pre-team sessions at the same time and save $20!
     

• Swim Team:

  • June 3rd – July 11th (Meets Monday through Thursday) | $115 per child
     

Swim Meets for the 2024 Season:

• Watermelon Meet: Saturday, June 29, 2024, 8:30 AM - 11 AM, Nancie Blewitt Swim Complex
• City/County Championship Meet: Saturday, July 6, 2024, 10 AM - 1 PM, Faucett Bros. Activity Center
• Family Night: Saturday, July 20, Nancie Blewitt Swim Complex
• North River Sprint Meet: Saturday, June 22, 2024, 8 AM - 10 AM, North River Yacht Club
   

Health and Fitness Benefits:

Swimming is an excellent exercise for physical fitness, promoting cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. It’s also a fantastic way to foster community connections. PARA's pools are for everyone, offering water aerobics and pool fitness classes. For information on fitness schedules, visit PARAFit.
 

Private Swim Lessons:

Private swim lessons are available upon request. Interested individuals can inquire by filling out the form on our website at Private Swim Lessons.

Aquatics Leadership:

Mark Harrison, PARA's Director of Aquatics and Outdoor Pursuits, has been working with PARA aquatics for 17 years. "I have really enjoyed keeping the pools safe and clean, training Lifeguards and staff, and teaching kids and adults how to swim." 

Harrison is a Certified Pool Operator, NRPA Aquatic Facility Operator, American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, ACE Personal Trainer, and has served on the board of the Alabama Recreation & Parks Association.
 

For full details on pool hours, classes, and membership, visit our aquatics page at PARA Aquatics.

Join us this summer for a season of fun, fitness, and community at PARA's aquatics facilities!