Hammond Pool will be free this summer for drop-in swims

Maple Ridge city council voted unanimously to remove Hammond Pool drop-in admission fees for Maple Ridge residents.

At an April 8 council meeting, council spoke highly of free admission at the outdoor pool, saying it’s a good investment in the community since it provides both recreation and opportunity to practise a life skill.

“The life blood of any community is making sure our kids have something to do, something productive to do. And this is an example of low cost – to us — but benefits far outweigh that,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy.

Currently, the outdoor pool admission is $2 for children, youth, and seniors, $3 for adults, and free for those three or younger or 80 and older.

In 2024, admission revenues brought in over $13,000 (after closing two weeks early due to vandalism), and a little more than $15,500 in 2023. 

At a Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 1, city staff said they are looking at expanding swimming lessons and new aquatic programming to make up for the lost revenue.

The pool is set to open on weekends from May 25 to June 28, and full time from June 29 to about Sept. 1.

“Who knows, this might be the impetus for their love of swimming to carry on,” said Coun. Korleen Carreras on the free admission. “Maybe one day we’ll see them on the pool deck as one of our life guards.”

Other nearby cities have already made their outdoor pools free, like Port Coquitlam and Surrey.