Equipment shipping delays are pushing back the opening of Des Moines’ beloved northside fixture, Birdland Pool, for its 2025 season.
City Parks and Recreation officials announced the pool is expected to open as late as July because of an unfulfilled shipment of essential pool filters ordered back in October. These filters are required to run the pool facility safely — but there’s still no confirmed delivery date, parks officials said in a statement on Wednesday, May 14.
The delay comes after Birdland Pool’s fate hung in the balance amid a tumultuous budget season for the city. The pool was on the list of city services on the chopping block due to Des Moines’ looming $17 million budget deficit, but got a reprieve through summer 2026 after strong pushback from some council and community members, who contend it is a significant resource for families and children in the neighborhoods and metro.
The pool is now undergoing a $1.75 million improvement project that includes deep-end reconstruction, new mechanical systems and pool repainting, according to a statement from the city.
“We know how much our community looks forward to summers at Birdland Pool, and we share in their disappointment over this unexpected delay,” Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page said in a statement. “We’re doing everything we can to open the pool as soon as possible and appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through these challenges.”
The Des Moines City Council is expected to reduce the daily admission rate to the pool to $1 once it’s open for the remainder of the 2025 season as a thank you for the community’s patience, officials said. Anyone who purchased a season pool pass to use at Birdland Pool will get a full refund.
Staff scheduled to work at the northside pool will be reassigned to other pools in the city until it’s open.
What are the Des Moines pools’ opening schedules for 2025?
For updates and aquatic season details, visit DSM.city/Aquatics. Community members also can sign up for text notifications about pool closures by texting DSMPools to 84483.
Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on X at @vbarreda2.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Birdland Pool on Des Moines’ north side delays opening. When the pool will be ready:
Reporting by Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
