Salvation Army Kroc Center Aquatics

About

The Salvation Army Kroc Center Aquatics, located at 1865 Harrison Ave, Camden, NJ 08105, USA, is a state-of-the-art aquatic facility that is part of a larger community center. It offers a diverse range of water-based activities and amenities, including both a competition pool for lap swimming and competitive events, and a leisure pool designed for recreational swimming, family fun, and water play with features like water slides and a zero-depth entry. The center caters to all ages and skill levels with various aquatic programs, swim lessons, open swim sessions, and fitness classes.

The aquatics center typically maintains different temperatures for its two main pools. The competition pool, ideal for lap swimming and training, is generally kept at a cooler temperature, often around 79-81°F (26-27°C). The leisure/recreation pool, designed for family enjoyment and general play with water features, is usually warmer for comfort, typically maintained around 84-86°F (29-30°C).

What are people saying (AI review summary)? This community complex receives mixed reviews, often praised for its extensive and affordable offerings but criticized for specific operational issues. Positives include a vast array of facilities such as an 8-lane swimming pool, water park (with caveats), various sports courts, gymnasium, weight room, theater, and even a clinic, all noted for being super clean and providing incredible value (e.g., affordable family memberships, swim lessons, and cafeteria prices). The staff are generally described as fantastic, professional, and caring, with a positive impact on the community, including generous events like toy drives. However, the water park experience specifically faces significant criticism for poor communication (unanswered calls, unannounced closures), disorganized check-in processes, strict and inconsistently applied height restrictions for slides, and occasional rude staff. Some reviews highlight a disappointing atmosphere in the water park, while others point out a lack of adequate seating for parents during competitions and a poor 'live stream' quality.

Location

Gallery

Amenities

• Accepts Credit Cards
• Accessible Entrance

Reviews

Listing Reviews

May 13th, 2025

Vu-An Foster

Waterpark Not worth the hype – disappointing experience If you were brought here by a TikTok video or an Instagram collaborator like I was, I highly do not recommend this place. I saw an advertisement and thought it would be a fun stop after visiting the Camden Aquarium, especially since it’s only 10 minutes away. I tried calling in the morning to confirm details, but no one answered. We showed up after the aquarium, only to find out that the waterpark area wasn’t open. My son saw it and was really disappointed, so we decided to give it another shot the next day, since they're only open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. When we returned, we stood in line and were told to move to the side, without any explanation. After asking what was going on, I was told she had to check in all the members first. Only then was I told I needed to fill out a form. After that, I spent about 20 minutes at a kiosk trying to get us registered. My son, who is a strong swimmer, immediately went to the waterslide, but was told he wasn’t tall enough. I explained that he’s a great swimmer even though he’s small, and was told to speak to the head lifeguard. The lifeguard seemed to have zero people skills and honestly gave off a rude, dismissive vibe. There were barely any people there, and the energy overall just didn’t feel great. I wanted to leave, but my son wanted to stay and make the best of it. If you have access to a good community pool, I’d recommend going there instead—or if you want a truly fun water experience, a waterpark may cost more, but it’s absolutely worth it for the better atmosphere and service.

October 24th, 2024

Noel Abejo

Impressive complex that truly serves the entire community. Has an auditorium, basketball/volleyball/pickleball courts, swimming pool, water park, rooms for sports programs, places for worship and even a clinic by Cooper Hospital. Plenty of parking and outdoor activities. Professional staff that cares for you. Had a tour of the place the was impressed with the programs and the impact to the community. The monthly costs is a bargain considering all things offered.

February 24th, 2024

I. B.

Incredibly disappointing!!! They aim to hold 15-team competitions in the pool, yet they are not able to provide enough seating for parents of the children competing. We had to leave our 6-year old to himself, and will not be able to cheer for him. What they call a “life stream” is a joke, too.

February 1st, 2020

fredbrackely

They literally offer everything here, and the staff are fantastic. Swim lessons, 8 Lane Pool, Water Park, Pool Parties, Swim Team, Lifeguard Training, WSI/LGI. This place is super clean, incredible value (Full family membership 4 people -$200 of the year!!!!! Swim lessons $55!!!!) There is a Weight Room, Gymnasium, Spinning, a massive "Town hall" open area that can be rented, a full theater, and Cafeteria - Lunch for $4!!! How is this place still hidden?

December 16th, 2023

RHAM

Incredible place. They had a toy drive and there was so many choices for all ages, girl and boys. I was blown away just seeing the sheer generousity in front of me.