Outdoor Pool

The UNH Outdoor pool  was built in 1938 as part of the Works Project Administration (WPA) and has been a long standing fixture in the Durham community.   This seasonal facility is open to the public as well as students and staff of UNH and is made up of five areas (Salmon, Perch, Shark, Minnow, Whale and Lap Lanes) including diving area and zero-depth entry.

History

On a spring day in 1924, 200 male students armed with picks and shovels went to the somewhat boggy area behind the old gym (New Hampshire Hall) and made a good start on what would become the College Pond.  During the 12 years it served as the local swimming hole, however, the pond gradually became a source of worry to the university physician.  It was finally condemned as a health hazard and drained in the summer of 1936.  Six months later the administration succeeded in getting the promise of WPA labor for various campus projects, including a "modern, sanitary swimming pool with granite block tiling which will be filled with chlorine-treated water to be completely re-circulated every 24 hours." 

It took a year and a half to transform the old pond into a modern swimming pool.  The university held a grand opening for the new pool during the 20th annual Farmers' and Homemakers' week in  August 1938.  Draped with white cloth, the diving tower was transformed into a lighthouse for the folk extravaganza "Lamp Black and the Seven Giants." The diving tower is now gone but the pool is still enjoyed each summer by both Durham residents and the university community.  Click here for more information

Closed for season! See you in 2013!

2012 Hours of Operation:

June 16 to July 1 Noon-6:00pm

July 2 to August 26 Noon-7:00pm

Mon, Aug 27 2-6pm

Tue, Aug 28 12-6pm

Wed, Aug 29 2-6pm

Thur, Aug 30 12-6pm

Fri, Aug 31 12-6pm

Sat-Mon, Sep 1-3 12-6pm

2012 Special Events:

Family BBQ, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17 5:00-7:00pm 

We grill hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers (for purchase) and you get to enjoy some family time!

Ice Cream Social, July 4 at 1:00-3:00pm

Ice cream (for purchase) and the 4th of July, could there be a better combination?

Night Under the Lights, July 25 5:00-9:00pm

Come and enjoy being at the pool "after hours," spot lights keep the pool bright!

Contact UNH Aquatic Coordinator

 For information on pool passes, please click on the Membership link in the Facilities menu or call 862-2031.