University announces that Robinson Center pools are closed

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has announced that swimming pools in Robinson Center are no longer available to KU students, faculty or staff for open swimming. In May, it was announced that the Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Science, which managed and maintained the pools, is no longer providing swim-related programming. That change, along with difficulty in hiring lifeguards, contributed to the decision to cease open swim hours. The KU Swimming & Diving teams continue to have access to the pools for training.

The university is in the process of developing a new master plan to identify campus facility needs and align facilities planning with its institutional vision and strategic plan. Included in that process is an assessment of health, wellness and recreational facilities, including pools and other aquatic facilities. The research and assessment phase of the master planning process is expected to be complete in January 2023.

Ideas and input from KU faculty, staff and students will help inform and guide the master plan. The research and assessment phase includes opportunities for public comments and discussion. If pools or other aquatic facilities are important amenities for members of the campus community, please share your thoughts through the master plan process or by emailing operations@ku.edu.

The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Indoor Aquatic Center at 4706 Overland Drive is generally open year-round for open swimming. Additional information is available on the Lawrence Park’s and Recreation Aquatics website.