Sometimes the best kept secrets are located right under your nose. The Columbus Aquatic Center is one such secret. Located on Hunter Avenue in Victorian Village between 3rd and 5th Avenues, the Aquatic Center manages to fall off the radar despite being a five minute walk west of The Surly Girl Saloon.
And let me tell you… nothing quite hits the spot like being able to swim in an indoor pool during the middle of an Ohio winter.
The main Aquatic Center pool is home to six 25-yard swim lanes, an open area for casual swimming, and a separated diving well with 1-meter and 3-meter flexible diving boards. There’s also a separate shallow baby pool to the side.
There are a variety of lessons and classes offered for all ages, and a public open swim session that is currently running Tuesday through Saturday from 2pm to 5pm. Not ideal hours for all of you nine-to-five workers, but the hours seem to change up fairly regularly so keep your eyes peeled for updates.
So, what does it take to utilize the Columbus Aquatic Center? Not much. Anyone over the age of 6 is required to scan their Columbus Recs & Parks “Leisure Card” upon entry. The Leisure Card costs $1 to obtain (you can find out how by calling 645-3129) and the turnstile entry fee to the pool area is 50 cents per person. That’s right. You heard me. Fifty Cents.
The changing rooms are equipped with showers so that you don’t have to leave smelling like chlorine, and there are lockers available for 25 cents to keep your dry goods safe while you swim.
If you’d like to go, more information can be found online here. Some of it is outdated, so it might always be a good idea to call (645-3129) before you go to double check their hours. Enjoy!
