It won’t be long before overheated Hornell area residents will be able to cool off in a municipal swimming pool.
The popular pool at Veterans Memorial Park at James Street will open for the summer on June 29, according to Hornell officials.
The pool will be open daily from 12:30-6:30 p.m., with the season anticipated to run through the end of August. Admission is $1 for city residents, $2 for non-residents, and free for members of the Hornell Area Family YMCA.
Summer 2025 marks the fifth year of the partnership between the City of Hornell and the YMCA for the operation of the James Street Park pool.
The year’s agreement was approved by the Common Council in March. Under the agreements, the city has provided maintenance at the pool and pool house, while contributing to lifeguards’ wages. The YMCA manages day-to-day operations at the pool.
Hornell Mayor John Buckley said the city-YMCA partnership has gone swimmingly.
“Partnering with the YMCA has been a win for everyone,” Buckley said. “It’s community-friendly and continues to bring energy and engagement to the City pool.”
Natalie Donahue, regional executive director of Tri-County YMCA New York, said the Y’s collaboration with the city “allows us to continue offering fun, safe, and active summer experiences for our community.”
Donahue added, “We’re incredibly grateful to the City of Hornell for the opportunity to work together again and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the water this season.”
The YMCA’s “Free Swim” day sponsorships give residents and businesses an opportunity to give back to the community. A free swim day sponsorship costs $100, and those interested are encouraged to contact the YMCA for details.
The city pool at Veterans Memorial Park at James Street opened in 1995. Major improvements to changing rooms, bathrooms, lockers, benches and lighting debuted in 2024.
When does the Hornell Summer Playground Program begin?
The City of Hornell’s summer playground program kicks off June 30 and runs through Aug. 22.
The program features games and activities 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Playground locations include Maple City Park, Veterans Memorial Park at James Street, Stephens Avenue, the Columbian School, and the Bryant Apartments.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: This is when the Hornell swimming pool at Veterans Memorial Park opens in 2025
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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