About
The Outdoor Swimming Pool located at 1601 N 5th St, Springfield, IL 62702, USA, is a public recreational facility operated by the Springfield Park District. Part of the larger Nelson Center Sports Complex, it serves as a popular community destination for swimming and aquatic recreation during the summer months, offering a family-friendly environment.
Specific, regularly published pool temperatures for this outdoor swimming pool are not readily available to the public. As a general outdoor recreational pool, its temperature would typically be maintained for comfort during the open season or would be subject to ambient weather conditions if unheated.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The Nelson Center's outdoor swimming pool generally receives very positive feedback, particularly for being a large, clean, and family-friendly facility in Springfield. Many reviewers highlight its affordable price and excellent value, especially with season passes. The staff, including specific shout-outs to lifeguards like Michael, are praised for being attentive, professional, and making visitors feel safe. The pool is described as fun for all ages, with simple rules and a good food stand. However, some negative points were raised, including one review mentioning a bad smell and excessive noise. Another reviewer found it overpriced, which contradicts the majority opinion on its affordability. Additionally, there are observations about a limited number of deck chairs, with many being damaged.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
July 26th, 2025Dragon Knight DJX
My family and I had an absolutely fantastic time at the Nelson Center's outdoor swimming pool! If you're looking for the perfect way to beat the summer heat in Springfield, this is definitely the place to be. First off, the pool is HUGE! There's more than enough room for everyone to swim, splash, and play without feeling crowded. My kids had an absolute blast and didn't want to leave. It's easy to see why it's such a popular spot for families. I was also incredibly impressed with how clean the entire facility was, from the pool itself to the deck and changing areas. What really makes this place a great value is the affordable price. It’s a wonderful and budget-friendly way to spend a summer afternoon. The highlight of our visit, however, was the staff. I have to give a special shout-out to one of the lifeguards, Michael. He was attentive, professional, and just awesome at his job. Witnessing his epic focus and positive attitude made our great day even better and made us feel incredibly safe. We can't recommend the Nelson Center pool enough. It’s fun, clean, affordable, and staffed by amazing people. We will be back all summer long!
June 28th, 2024Bella MC
This pool is very nice. It's the only public pool we have left and I always have an awesome time going there. The rules are very simple, don't touch the ljne, no running, no diving, no pushing. Pool floaties are not allowed unless it is coast guard approved. I've been there a about 20 times in total so far and have never had an issue, the food stand is good. I do highly recommend buying a season pass for ~$25 for a single person pass and ~$50 for a family pass that default includes 2 people and each person you add is ~$10. I believe those were the exact prices. If you plan to go more than even 5-6 times I feel it's worth the pass!
June 12th, 2025tacitus kilgore
this pool smells like shit and theres people screaming and stuff, also its overpriced
April 12th, 2025Henn’s “Henn” Za
Very delightful fun for any age came with my friends for a party
July 15th, 2024Timothy Barnhart
Nice pool but very few deck chairs and probably 20% of them are damaged.