RAPID CITY, SD – Residents of Rapid City and the Black Hills sought relief from high temperatures at city pools in record numbers this summer. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department released data showing 88,270 admissions at the Sioux Park, Parkview, Horace Mann and Roosevelt Park Swim Center pools.
The 2025 total is the highest since at least 2019, surpassing the 81,025 admissions in 2024 and significantly more than the 73,097 recorded in 2023 when cool, rainy weather impacted attendance.
Two outdoor pools, Sioux Park and the 50-meter pool at the Roosevelt Swim Center, extended their seasons to accommodate the demand. Sioux Park pool remained open until Aug. 30, and the Roosevelt Swim Center’s outdoor pool was open until Sept. 20.
“It was another busy summer,” said City Aquatics Program Specialist Teaghan Slagle. “We had a number of hot days with the pools packed with people seeking relief.”
Despite many lifeguards leaving for college, Slagle said the city adjusted hours to keep an outdoor option available for a few weeks longer.
The Roosevelt Swim Center remains open for swimming during the fall, winter and spring. The city’s Recreation Division encourages anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard for the 2026 summer season to call 605-394-4175 for more information.
Here is a look at the pool usage data for the summer period in Rapid City:
FACILITY 2025 2024 2023
Sioux Park 20,775 18,638 15,470
Horace Mann 13,367 14,799 13,075
Parkview 11,523 12,919 10,976
Swim Center 42,605 34,669 33,576
TOTALS: 88,270 81,025 73,097
SEASON TOTALS:
2025: 88,270
2024: 81,025
2023: 73,097
2022: 80,412
2021: 69,326
2020: Pools closed due to COVD-19 pandemic
2019: 61,926