Algonac pool grand opening is this Saturday

Free event will include live band and open swim

By Barb Pert Templeton

The 2026 formal opening of the Algonac Community Pool is set for this Saturday, June 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. The public’s welcome to stop by and enjoy Caribbean style musical entertainment, open swimming and great family fun.

Algonac officials are excited to see the pool reopen for the season and in fact, City Manager Artie Bryson said the pool is one of those quality-of-life amenities that helps make Algonac attractive to residents and potential homeowners.

“For Algonac, where water is part of the community’s identity, having a place where children can safely learn, play, and swim is especially meaningful. It reinforces what Algonac has always been – a waterfront community that invests in families and quality of life,” Bryson said.

Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Bryson via email to ask some more specific questions about plans for the pools grand opening.

Blue Water Healthy Living: Can people who attend the grand opening event bring their own coolers with drinks and snacks? Will alcohol be allowed?

Algonac City Manager Artie Bryson: No coolers and drinks, we have a concession stand. No Alcohol is not allowed it is a kid friendly space.

BWHL: Will there be concessions available to purchase or maybe free popsicles and ice cream?

Bryson: Yes, there are concessions available to buy plus we have a BBQ food truck station outside in the parking lot.

BWHL: What is the capacity of the pool – pool area?

Bryson: 100 swimmers in the pool and 200 plus in the pool area.

BWHL: Is the UPrizin Steel Band a local group and have they performed in the city in the past?

Bryson: They are out of Detroit and I don’t believe they have ever played in our area before.

BWHL: Why do you think having a public pool is important for Algonac?

Bryson: For Algonac specifically, I think the public pool is much more than a recreational amenity – it’s a community asset that servers several important purposes.

Bryson then provided a detailed list of exactly what purposes the pool can serve in a community.

1. It provides affordable recreation for local families:

· Not every family has access to a private pool, boat, cottage or vacation property.

· A municipal pool gives every child and family in Algonac access to safe summer recreation regardless of income.

· For many families, a season pass to the pool may be the only affordable summer activity available close to home.

2. It supports water safety:

· Algonac sits on one of the most water-oriented communities in Michigan.

· A public pool provides a controlled environment where children can learn swimming skills before being exposed to open water, that directly supports public safely.

3. It creates community identity: People often underestimate the value of places where residents simply gather.

· A place where kids meet friends

· A place where grandparents bring grandchildren

· A place where new residents connect with neighbors

4. . It supports working families: During the summer months, the pool provides structured activities for children when school is out. Parent know their children are:

· Supervised

· Active

· Engaged

· Outdoors rather than sitting inside on phone or video games

5. It created youth employment opportunities: The pool gives local teenagers some of their first jobs.

· Lifeguards.

· Cashiers.

· Maintenance Staff.

6. It increases quality of life: When families are deciding where to live, they don’t just look at taxes and utility rates. They ask:

· Are there parks?

· Are there trails?

· Are there activities for kids?

· Is this a community where families can thrive?

Bryson added that what it comes down to it the questions of what king of community do people want Algonac to be?

“If the answer is a family-friendly waterfront community with opportunities for children, recreation and community engagement, then the pool plays an important role in achieving that vision,” Bryson said.

The Algonac pool is located at 1833 Michigan Avenue (at Lions Field) in Algonac.