Registration Now Open for First Session of Swim Lessons at New Indoor Pool

DES MOINES, IOWA - Monday, August 24, 2026 - With the Iowa State Fair reaching its end and students heading back to school, it marks the unofficial changing of seasons. But just because summer is over doesn't mean the water fun has to end.

Nahas Aquatic Center's post-season weekends of summer splashes will run through Memorial Weekend, and new facilities mean new opportunities for Des Moines residents.

As summertime fun at the City's outdoor aquatic facilities wraps up, Des Moines Parks and Recreation's first indoor pool is gearing up to make a big splash!

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, Prairie Meadows Pool at Reichardt Community Recreation Center will be open 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The new facility features zero-depth entry, splash features, a diving board, basketball hoop, and three lap lanes, all indoors.

Open swim hours are subject to change as they accommodate aqua fitness classes and other programs in the water that will become available throughout the year.

In addition to visiting the pool to participate in lap swimming and aquatic fun, the new facility allows our aquatics team to offer life-saving swim lessons to help keep safety skills sharp and encourage swimmers of all ages to develop new skills and hobbies throughout the colder months.

"Offering swim lessons indoors allows so many more residents to not only develop those crucial safety skills but open the doors to building a love for swimming, which is a hobby that can stay with our residents throughout their lives."

Monthly swim lessons will be held beginning in September. Sessions vary in duration and availability but include eight 45-minute lessons. Learn-to-Swim levels 1 - 5 will be offered for ages 5 - 15, additionally, some Preschool Aquatics lessons are available, with more opportunities coming later this year. Lessons cost $50; similar to summer lessons, indoor lessons are eligible for a $10 GRASP/YRSP scholarship. Check out available lessons and register today by visiting DSM.city/Swim.

To keep our swimmers safe and teach lessons this fall and winter, Des Moines Parks and Recreation is hiring several lifeguards to support Prairie Meadows Pool operations. Positions offer year-round, part-time employment for qualified candidates ages 15 and older. Lifeguard training is provided at no cost. Apply today at DSM.city/ParkJobs.

Our indoor aquatics season runs just after Labor Day through just before Memorial Day. Learn more at DSM.city/IndoorAquatics.

Media Contact

Zoe Sadauskis
Communications Specialist, City Manager's Office
(515) 205-3829
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines

The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.

Visit DSM.city or Facebook for more information.