Big Pool Recreation Center | Garden City

Information

Landmark: Big Pool Recreation Center
City: Garden City
Country: USA Kansas
Continent: North America

Big Pool Recreation Center, Garden City, USA Kansas, North America

The Big Pool Recreation Center is a large, man-made swimming pool located in Garden City, Kansas, USA.

It is recognized as the world's largest outdoor concrete swimming pool.

Visual Characteristics

The pool itself is a rectangular concrete structure with a maximum depth of 10 feet and a minimum depth of 3 feet. Its surface area measures 320 feet by 130 feet. The surrounding area features concrete decking and grassy sections.

Location & Access Logistics

The Big Pool is situated at 1501 N. 2nd Street, Garden City, Kansas. It is approximately 1.5 miles north of the city center. Ample free parking is available on-site. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is approximately 0.5 miles south on Main Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Big Pool was completed in 1928. It was originally built as a municipal swimming facility to provide recreational opportunities for the community. The pool is filled with water from the local municipal water supply.

Key Highlights & Activities

Swimming is the primary activity. The pool features multiple diving boards and a water slide. Designated areas are available for lap swimming. Children's play structures are present in the shallow end.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms and changing facilities are available on-site. Shaded areas are provided by canopies and trees around the perimeter. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the recreation center grounds. Food vendors are typically present during operational hours.

Best Time to Visit

The pool is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Operational hours are typically 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily, with extended hours on weekends. Mid-afternoon offers the most consistent sunlight for swimming.

Facts & Legends

The Big Pool was originally designed to hold 1.2 million gallons of water. A local anecdote suggests that during its construction, workers would swim in the pool before the concrete was fully cured, leading to a unique, albeit unverified, "concrete-infused" swimming experience.