About
Outdoor pool as part of a park featuring playgrounds for big and little kids.
While Harry Thomas Recreation Center features an outdoor swimming pool, specific, regularly published temperature data for this facility is not readily available. Public outdoor pools are typically maintained at a comfortable range for recreational use, generally between 78-82°F (25-28°C).
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The facility presents a mixed experience for visitors. The park and playgrounds receive overwhelmingly positive reviews, described as 'the coolest ever' with excellent, separated play areas for different age groups, including a rare variety of swings, a large field, workout equipment, tennis, and basketball courts, all noted as well-maintained. However, the pool generates significant criticism. While some reviewers find it 'awesome' and prefer it over other options, many express strong frustration with management's policies, citing frequent and seemingly arbitrary closures (e.g., for distant lightning on sunny days), a lack of shade, a strict no-snack policy, and highly rude or discriminatory staff behavior, including instances of unjust bans and police involvement for simple questions. Parking for the entire facility is consistently mentioned as competitive or annoying.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
July 31st, 2025Bobbi DeAnda
Review for the pool: 2 stars Updating my review based on the pool… wow. Definitely won’t be back. They do the same BS as Rosedale - closing for any little reason and sucking the fun out of community pools. They didn’t open on time and at 12:10 i knocked on the door and they came out and said the pool was closed because there was lightning in the vicinity. I looked up at the sky that had lightly scattered clouds, but it was gorgeous and sunny and 90° and said are you serious? Where? And she said “in the vicinity” and it’s their policy to close if there’s lightning. I was like there is no lightning anywhere remotely close and she said it was within a 5 mile radius according to her app and I was like can you show me on this app and she pulled out the app and showed me there was one lightning strike in Chevy Chase… I was like are you serious? There is no lightning here it is sunny…Why would you not open the pool??? she said that all DPR pools have to close and I said I was sure Langdon wasn’t closed (because Rosedale does this kind of stuff too and I drive out to Langdon and it’s never an issue). Anyway, she could see I was going to continue asking questions and follow up so she said we could come sit on the pool deck if we wanted to and if there was no more lightning, they would eventually open after the delay. Even without that nonsense, there is zero shade on the pool deck, and they don’t allow snacks of any kind on the pool deck. Definitely won’t be coming back to this pool. DPR, get it together - summer is supposed to be FUN at the pool. Updating my review based on the pool… wow. Definitely won’t be back. They do the same BS as Rosedale - closing for any little reason and sucking the fun out of community pools. Review for the park: 5 stars This is THE coolest park ever! I wish i had this park as a kid! There’s an AMAZING little kid park with a soft surface and big kid park and SWINGS! There’s so few parks in the city with swings - but there’s three kinds here. Also a big field with workout equipment, tennis court, basketball court, and the pool!
June 22nd, 2024NaSheika Williams
Very very rude! I filed a complaint with DPR on them both! Discrimination at its finest. Told my children they couldn’t eat on the deck but as we entered the pool the entire deck was eating! The officer on duty was no help! He didn’t know why we had to leave in the video but called the police as if I actually harmed or threatened anyone. She banned us from the pool because I begin to ask simple questions. She said she was afraid for her life…I have proof but I don’t want to upload people children in swimsuits! Do better as a manager. It’s 98 degrees today and my children couldn’t swim because you lied!
July 19th, 2021David Andrew Finkelstein
Awesome pool. Good mix of adults and families come here but I have always been able to find a chair even at peak times. Much prefer it to Banneker. Street parking can be annoying but it’s usually not too bad.
April 10th, 2019rochelle
I took my oldest son to football practice there while I let my two toddlers play on the playground. I loved the playground! the playgrounds are separated, so u have a little kids one and a big kids one. they have a swing set in the middle...with both baby swings and regular swings. They have a tennis and basketball court. I believe also a rec center. there was some litter on the playground but it wasnt trifling. I've seen worse. Parking is VERY competitive. overall, it's a great lil playground. we will be back!
November 4th, 2023Polly Rodriguez
DC parks Rock! The beautiful pool is only open on weekends until the end of June, but it's a great park. Playgrounds for different age groups. Basketball. Big grassy field. Nicely maintained. They have good bright lights for winter playground time.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
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