The Jones Aquatic Center has opened for summer 2026.
Temperatures in the mid-70s were just enough to open the doors, and rain stayed well south of Emporia through the afternoon to open the pool on schedule Saturday.
Despite the cool conditions, there was a good turnout — and Rec Commission Aquatic Supervisor Jen Wegener says that’s part of what makes the Aquatic Center a special place during the summer.
Wegener also says the size of the Olympic-size pool in an outdoor setting is also more and more unique as time passes.
The center has a good amount of community events on the calendar, including the Moment of Remembrance at 3 pm Memorial Day.
Before the Father’s Day Swim on June 21, the Jones Aquatic Center will have a Summer Luau from 6:30-8:30 pm June 12.
Osage City’s pool also opened Saturday, while Council Grove’s Aquatic Center opens Sunday. Emporia’s splash pad at Peter Pan Park opened earlier this month. The Strong City Splash Pad opened Friday.
