This story first appeared in CityView Magazine’s “The Summer Issue” June 2026 edition.
With many students on summer break and the North Carolina heat in full swing, community members may be looking for easy ways to be entertained while staying cool. Luckily, all across Cumberland County, pools and splash pads offer affordable, aquatic fun for the entire family.
The Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation’s 14 splash pads and 4 pools have proven to be a popular spot for summer fun—57,000 guests visited during the 2025 season. Most importantly, they are now open for the 2026 season.
Beyond those options, the parks and recreation department offers special programs, such as High School Swim Clinics, Swim Camps, lifeguard certification courses, and a new sensory program, among others.
Pools
The pool locations opened on Memorial Day, May 25, and will close on Labor Day, September 7. Standard operating hours are 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Pools are closed on Mondays, except opening and closing days, and will operate on adjusted schedules when school is in session.
The cost to get into the pools for Cumberland County residents is $3 for ages 12 and under and $4 for ages 13 and up. For non-residents, it is $6 for ages 12 and under and $8 for ages 13 and up.
Splash Pads
For families seeking fun, free ways to cool off, splash pads are wonderful destinations. Splash pads opened for the season on May 1 and will close on September 30. Standard operating hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, though certain sites have different hours when school is in session.
If you get to the splash pad and there is no water flowing, there is no need for concern! Just find and press the activator button, which will be located on a pole or on the ground. If you press the activator button and the splash pad does not turn on, be sure to check that you are there during operating hours. If you are still having issues, call Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation Maintenance at 910-433-1164.
Lifeguards
To ensure safety, all pool locations will have six to eight lifeguards on duty during operating hours. If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard, you must be certified.
According to the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation website, there are lifeguard certification courses available throughout the year. They consist of a blended learning format requiring both online and in-person sessions. Individuals interested in becoming a lifeguard must be at least 15 years old by their final training day.
All applicants must pass an American Red Cross shallow water lifeguard pre-qualification assessment. The test consists of swimming 300 yards smoothly, treading water without using your hands for 2 minutes, and recovering, in a set amount of time, a 10-pound weight from the pool.
Safety
The Parks and Recreation Department wants to ensure everyone has fun and stays safe. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth day at any of the Aquatics Centers.
One key tip is to check the weather forecast before your visit. Summer storms are common and require a minimum 30-minute shutdown of water-based attractions, or they will remain closed until conditions are clear. Closures may also occur due to capacity limits or accidents.
Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and actively supervised by an adult at all times. Also, proper swim attire is required: no everyday clothing; infants must be wearing swim diapers; goggles may not cover your nose; and no float rings or water wings. Lifejackets are not required, but if they are used, they must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Guests are also encouraged to reapply sun protection throughout their visit.
To maintain a safe and uncluttered environment, some items are prohibited. Toys such as pool noodles, squirt guns, action figures, dive sticks, beach balls, and more need to be left at home. Tents are also not allowed. There are concession stands, but if you are planning on bringing outside food or drinks, they must fit in a cooler no larger than 48 quarts. Alcohol, pizza boxes, sheet cakes, and food and party trays are not permitted.
For those eager to try the water slides, riders must be at least 4 feet tall. Only one person is allowed on the slide at a time, and all riders must go feet first. Items such as hats, goggles, sunglasses, and flotation devices must be removed before riding, and parents are not allowed to catch children at the bottom of the slide.
Swim Camps and High School Swim Clinics
Instructor-Based Swim Camps are a great resource for community members ages 5–17 who are learning to swim. No prior swim experience is required. The camps focus on water safety, skill development, and building confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
Swim Camps will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday. The cost is $120 per week, and registration is required.
For more advanced swimmers, High School Swim Clinics will be offered once a month during the summer for teenagers aged 14–17. These clinics will help participants grow competitive-level skills and improve their technique.
High School Swim Clinics will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. on June 13, July 11, and August 8. The cost is $100 per session, and registration is required.
You may register for swim camps or swim clinics online or at any Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation center. For more information, call 910-433-1395 or visit fcpr.us.
Sensory Programs
Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation is offering a new program this year to accommodate individuals with different sensory needs. This swim program requires registration and will run after the pool closes two days a week. It will be quieter than during standard hours, and lifeguards won’t use whistles.
To register for the sensory program, visit the Dorothy D. Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center or email katiesmart@fayettevillenc.gov.
These aquatic amenities continue to be a cornerstone of seasonal fun for residents and visitors, with options for all ages and abilities, along with a focus on safety and accessibility.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick afternoon dip or planning regular visits, there’s no better way to dive into summer.
