Public pools prepare to open Buffalo and Tonawanda

Extreme heat is forecast for Western New York, and many area residents will be scrambling to find ways to cool down. One of the best things about living in the 716 is that there is no shortage of places to enjoy fun, sun, and water when the weather warms up.

However, as temperatures are set to climb as high as 100 degrees over the next few days, area officials are looking for ways to help people stay cool. As the school year approaches, some school districts have decided to close early to allow students to get out of overheated school buildings. The city of Buffalo also decided to open cooling centers throughout the city for people without air conditioning.

Another way people stay cool is to find water nearby. Of course, there is no shortage of beaches and beach clubs. But if the beach isn’t for you, there are tons of public pools in Buffalo and Western New York that you can swim in this summer.

Buffalo, the region’s largest municipality, has several indoor and outdoor public pools that are free to use once they open for the season.

When do public pools in Buffalo open?

The City of Buffalo owns and operates 2 indoor swimming pools, 2 wading pools, 6 outdoor swimming pools and 10 water features located throughout the city.

The indoor pools are open all year round and can be used at any time during their opening hours. The city’s water features opened for the season on Memorial Day weekend and are open daily as long as the weather permits.

Construction and labor shortages have delayed the opening of pools in recent years, but according to an announcement from City Hall, Buffalo is scheduled to open 5 of its outdoor pools on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Where are the swimming pools in Buffalo?

The five municipal pools that are about to open for the season are:

• Centennial Outdoor Pool, 5 Porter Ave, Buffalo, 14201
• Houghton Outdoor Pool, 1675 Clinton Street, Buffalo, 14206
• JFK Outdoor Pool, 114 Hickory Street, Buffalo, 14204
• Kensington Outdoor Pool, 665 Kensington Ave, Buffalo, 14215
• Outdoor Riverfront Pool, 2607 Niagara Street, Buffalo, 14207

Kenmore and Tonawanda pools also open

Many cities and towns have public pools in the area, and the City of Buffalo isn’t the only municipality opening its pools this summer.

The Village of Kenmore and the Town of Tonawanda are opening their pools this week. With three public swimming pools available, they will be open to those wishing to cool off:

• Kenmore Pool, 255 Mang Avenue, Kenmore, 14217
• Lincoln Pool, 1200 Parker Boulevard, Tonawanda, 14223
• Mang Pool, 425 Mang Avenue, Kenmore, 14217