Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool

Register for Swim Lessons Portland Parks & Recreation offers swim lessons for all ages and all abilities. Swim lesson classes are 30 minutes long.

During drop-in swimming times, everyone must pay admission, even if they are not getting in the water. Pool capacities are limited.

Infants, toddlers, weak swimmers and children under 48" in height must always be supervised in the water by a person aged 16 years or older who remains within arm's reach at all times.

Non-swimmers and children under 48 inches tall must always have a caregiver aged 16 or older in the water within arm's reach. Life jackets are available to use while swimming.

Lifejackets are not allowed in these areas. Non-swimmers and those without a wristband will be asked to move to shallow areas.

Please note that swim lesson classes are limited and vary by pool. Not all levels are offered at all times. Private and semi-private lessons are not available.

Register for swim lessons. Swim lessons are progressive, beginning at the preschool level (ages 3-5). The instructor will tell you which lesson to sign up for next.

If the participant has not had swimming lessons for more than three months, they should repeat the last level they took as a refresher. Learn more about swim lesson levels.

Swimming Information View PP&R swimming information, including activity descriptions, pool rules and policies, admission fees , and more.

During play swims, all swimmers wishing to swim in the deep end or lap pool will be required to pass a swim test and wear a wristband indicating they are approved to be in the deep end.

All non-toilet trained swimmers are required to wear swim diapers in the pool.

Approved swim diapers include reusable diapers designed specifically for the water and have tight binding around the

Not all activities or amenities are available at all times.

All children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult or responsible person over the age of 16 in the facility at all times.

The first Wilson Outdoor Pool was constructed in 1957 and opened in the summer of 1958, through an agreement with Portland Public Schools. In 2005, Wilson Pool received major renovations with funds from the 2002 Parks Levy. In 2022, Wilson Outdoor Pool was renamed Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool through a community naming process. Former President Woodrow Wilson was known to have racist and segregationist views. Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931) was honored for her significant legacy as a Black female journalist, civil rights advocate, educator, and researcher. She was known for her leadership speaking out against lynching and fighting for women’s suffrage. She spoke and wrote to President Wilson in protest of segregation and discriminatory hiring practices.