Nelson Center Outdoor Pool

1601 North 5th Street Springfield, IL 62703

Phone: 217-753-2800

Hours: - CT

Overview

The Nelson Center pool is a seasonal outdoor aquatic facility that is open during the summer months between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day weekend. Supervised by professionally trained lifeguard staff, Nelson Center Pool features as a twisted flume slide and separate kiddy pool that will keep your kids coming back time and time again. Nelson Center Pool also features a full service concession stand and locker rooms.

Train to become a lifeguard ad image

Train to Become a Lifeguard!

Looking for a rewarding job this summer? Join our Lifeguard Training Program and gain life-saving skills, including CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, while preparing for an impactful role at our pools! 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Hours

Open Daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day

*Nelson Center Pool will be open for the season starting May 23, 2026

Public Swim Hours

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 11:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday:
11:00am-7:00pm
Saturday, Sunday:
11:00am-6:00pm

Lap Swim Hours

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 7:30am-9:00am

Master Swim Hours

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 6:00am-7:30am

Sunday: 8:00am-9:30am

Sensory Friendly Initiatives 

The Springfield Park District Nelson Center is a certified Sensory Inclusive Venue through KultureCity. This means that our staff has undergone training on how to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs at our facility. 

What is Sensory Friendly at the Nelson Center?

The Springfield Park District Nelson Center has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests who visit our facility. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by suppling our staff with annual training and by offering resources and accommodations to our guests. 

KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Badge 2

KultureCity® Sensory bags
KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special  badges, fidget tools, sunglasses, communication card, and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services Desk located at the Skate Rental Shop in Rink 2 and Welcome Desk in Rink 1. 

Weighted Lap Pads
Weighted lap pads are available upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID) at  the Skate Rental Shop in Rink 2 and Welcome Desk in Rink 1 or by speaking to a staff member.

Quiet Areas
Quiet areas are located throughout the facility and are marked by signage. 

Social Story and KultureCity® App
Download the KultureCity® App to get your social story to help you further with your visit to the Springfield Park District Nelson Center.

Admission

DAILY ADMISSION

Children 12 and Under*: $5.25
Adult: $6.00
Adult Lap: $5.25

*prices subject to change, please check our Online Registration portal in Summer Pool Season to confirm current pool ticket rates.  Won't appear unless it's May 23 - Aug 15

LEARN MORE

Activities

For a list of activities held at the Nelson Center Pool, please click the button below.

ACTIVITIES

Birthday Parties

For a list birthday parties held at the Nelson Center Pool, please click the button below.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Amenities

  • Playground
  • Covered Picnic Pavilion
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free Parking
  • Water Fountains with Bottle Filler
  • Restrooms
  • Diaper Changing Stations
  • Concessions
  • Benches and shade respite areas
  • Locker Rooms
  • Vending Machines

Large Flume Slide
Picnic Table Area
Concessions
Children's Pool
Tropical Fish Slide
Main Pool with Lap Lanes

Staff

Nathaniel Merema
Aquatics Manager

AQUATICS EISENHOWER POOL
2351 E Cornell Ave, Spfld IL 62703

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Dianna Rodgers
Administrative Assistant

AQUATICS EISENHOWER POOL
2351 E Cornell Ave, Spfld IL 62703

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George Tucker, Jr.
General Manager

NELSON CENTER ICE RINK
1601 N. 5th St, Spfld IL 62702

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Leslie Jones
Administrative Assistant

NELSON CENTER ICE RINK
1601 N. 5th St, Spfld IL 62702

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Michael Lemke
Facility Program Supervisor

NELSON CENTER ICE RINK
1601 N. 5th St, Spfld IL 62702

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Bert Roulinson
Superintendent of Maintenance Operations

NELSON CENTER ICE RINK
1601 N. 5th St, Spfld IL 62702

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Features