Baltimore County’s first public pools will open this month

Two of Baltimore County’s few low-cost swimming options are set to return this month, part of a plan announced Thursday to reopen the Dundalk and Randallstown pools under county management.

The two six-lane indoor facilities, closed since the YMCA left this summer, will resume operations for a pilot period offering open swim, discounted memberships and daily drop-in admission. The Dundalk pool will open Oct. 14, followed by Randallstown on Oct. 19.

They’ll be the county’s first publicly operated pools.

“Baltimore County residents of all ages deserve amenities that contribute to enhancing their health and quality of life,” said Councilman Julian Jones, whose district includes Randallstown. “I am thrilled to see this pilot aquatics program launch in both Dundalk and Randallstown, which will help preserve vital programming for older residents and expand recreational opportunities for residents and families alike.”

The pilot will run through at least the end of 2026, while the Recreation & Parks department continues hiring staff and developing aquatics classes and programming.

Monthly memberships will cost $10-$15 for individuals, depending on age, and $27 for families of up to four. Daily admission will be $3-$4 for individuals and $8 for families up to four. One monthly membership provides access to both pools.

For decades, county residents who wanted to swim without paying for a country club, gym or apartment membership had few places to turn. The county’s lack of public pools dates to the segregation era, when officials closed public swimming facilities rather than integrating them.

Among the only affordable options were the Dundalk and Randallstown pools, where the YMCA partnered with the county to keep costs low. But that access was put at risk when the Y in Central Maryland said it would leave the Baltimore County swim centers after its leases expired Aug. 31.

The county stepped in to give the pools a second life, announcing in late July that it would take over for the Y. Since then, officials have surveyed residents and held two public listening sessions that helped shape the pilot program.

“We heard clearly from residents that they want these pools open, affordable and available to their communities,” Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said. “We’re proud to reopen both pools this month with discounted memberships and hours that reflect feedback.”

Residents can swim, purchase memberships and learn about the aquatics pilot program at open houses from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 10 in Dundalk and on Oct. 17 in Randallstown.

The pools will offer morning and evening hours Mondays and Wednesdays. They’ll be open through late afternoon Thursdays and Saturdays and morning hours on Fridays. They will be closed Tuesdays and Sundays.

For more information on hours, pricing, membership and programming, visit the county’s Aquatic Centers and Programs webpage. Residents can also subscribe to the Recreation and Parks email newsletter.