Southwest Community Center Pool: Closure, Admission & Swimming Guide
Southwest Community Center Swimming Pool, officially called Southwest Indoor Pool, is a Portland Parks & Recreation aquatic facility at 6820 SW 45th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219. Its regular offerings include lap swimming, family play swims, swim lessons, water fitness and a leisure pool with accessible entry.
The pool has been temporarily closed since September 5, 2026 for extensive roof and building repairs. Portland Parks currently anticipates reopening on December 9, 2026.
Do not travel here expecting to swim before the pool officially reopens. The December 9 date is a projected reopening, not a guarantee.
Verify Current Pool Reopening StatusInformation verified October 21, 2026. Pool services described below are normally offered when the pool is operational.
Pool Closure & Planned Reopening in 2026
The extended closure is for essential roof repairs. The original annual maintenance period was expanded after the City determined that more extensive work was needed.
| Key detail | Current official information |
|---|---|
| Closure began | September 5, 2026 |
| Reason | Annual maintenance plus essential building and roof repairs |
| Current expected reopening | December 9, 2026 |
| October pool activities | Not operating during the extended closure |
| Lap swim and play swim | Unavailable until pool operations resume |
| Swim lessons | Check for revised registration dates and rescheduled offerings |
For updates, use the official Southwest Community Center page and the dedicated indoor pool page.
Southwest Community Center Hours
The building normally operates seven days a week. These are building hours, not a guarantee that swimming is available throughout the day.
| Day | Community center hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 AM–9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM–9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM–9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM–9:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM–9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
When operational, the pool normally closes 30 minutes before the community center building. Play swim, lap swim, lessons and exercise classes have separate schedules.
Southwest Swimming Pool Admission Fees
Portland Parks & Recreation publishes the following daily admission prices for its participating indoor community-center pools.
| Visitor | Daily price |
|---|---|
| Children age 2 and younger | Free |
| Youth ages 3–12 | $4 |
| Teens ages 13–17 | $5 |
| Adults ages 18–59 | $6 |
| Seniors ages 60+ | $5 |
Daily admission generally covers scheduled drop-in activities such as play swim, lap swim, available water fitness and other eligible recreation amenities. Registered swim lessons, camps and special programs may have separate fees.
PP&R also offers 20-visit, monthly and household passes. The best choice depends on how often you visit, eligible locations and whether you qualify for discounted admission.
Portland Access Discount: Pay Less for Swimming
City of Portland residents can register for the Portland Parks & Recreation Access Discount Program. The discount applies to eligible pool admission, swim lessons, classes, camps and other recreation services.
Adult $6 admission becomes $4.50.
Adult $6 admission becomes $3.
Adult $6 admission becomes $1.50.
Adult $6 admission becomes $0.60.
The City does not require proof of income for the Access Discount.
The discount remains valid for 12 months from enrollment.
Applicants choose a discount amount of 25%, 50%, 75% or 90% according to their financial need. The program is limited to eligible City of Portland residents.
How to Get the Discount
- Open the City’s Access Discount Program page.
- Choose the discount percentage appropriate for your household.
- Sign in or create your Portland Parks registration account.
- Register each household member who needs the discount.
- Complete the Access Discount registration before purchasing a pass or swim lesson.
- At drop-in admission, ask staff to look up your discount.
For assistance, call 503-823-2525. The customer service team can explain eligibility, account setup and additional support options.
Pool Features: What Can You Use After Reopening?
Southwest Indoor Pool includes several aquatic areas designed for different swimmers and activities.
Swimming lanes for exercise and scheduled lap swimming.
Zero-depth entry for gradual access from the pool deck into the water.
Interactive features and recreational swimming opportunities, subject to the schedule.
A slide feature is part of the facility; operation depends on maintenance and swim-session rules.
A spa area normally available during designated operating periods.
Chair lifts and a pool-accessible wheelchair support visitors with mobility needs.
Ask aquatic staff about transfer assistance, accessible changing areas and the best session for your needs before visiting.
Lap Swim, Play Swim, Family Swim & Water Fitness
When the pool reopens, use the following activity descriptions to select the right type of session.
| Activity | What it means |
|---|---|
| Lap Swim | Scheduled lane swimming for fitness and exercise. |
| Play Swim | Recreational water time for eligible swimmers and families. |
| Family Swim | Family-focused recreation; children under 18 must be accompanied in the water by a parent or guardian. |
| Preschool Swim | For children age 5 and younger, accompanied in the same body of water by a parent or guardian age 18 or older. |
| Water Fitness | Organized aquatic exercise or water-based fitness activities. |
| Adaptive Swim | A more sensory-sensitive swimming environment, with reduced features and participation limits. |
The City will publish applicable swim windows through the official Southwest Indoor Pool page.
Swimming Rules for Children and Families
Portland Parks requires active supervision of young or inexperienced swimmers.
- Children younger than 10: Must be accompanied in the facility by an adult or responsible person older than 16.
- Children under 48 inches tall: Must have a supervising person age 16 or older in the water within arm’s reach.
- Weak swimmers: Require the same close in-water supervision regardless of age.
- Family Swim: All children younger than 18 must be accompanied in the water by a parent or guardian.
- Preschool Swim: A parent or guardian age 18 or older must accompany the child in the same body of water.
- Showers: Swimmers must take a cleansing shower before entering the pool and after using the toilet.
- Life jackets: Available at PP&R pools; permitted use depends on the swim area and lifeguard instructions.
- Lifeguard instructions: Follow all posted rules, staff directions and facility capacity limits.
Adaptive Swimming at Southwest Indoor Pool
Portland Parks identifies Southwest Indoor Pool as a location for adaptive swim programming.
Adaptive swim provides a lower-sensory experience for participants who may be affected by high noise or stimulation levels.
- Water features and slides are turned off during the adaptive session.
- Capacity is limited to 30 people in the water.
- A caregiver must stay in the water with the participant.
- Youth Adaptive Swim is available for eligible participants age 18 and younger when scheduled.
Because the pool is closed for repairs, adaptive swim schedules must be rechecked after reopening.
For additional inclusion support, Portland Parks recommends submitting a request at least 10 days before the start of a registered activity.
Swim Lessons: How to Register After Reopening
Portland Parks offers registered swimming lessons, with availability dependent on staffing, age group, swim level and session dates.
The City’s published example price is $60 for a 10-lesson session. This is an example and not a guaranteed price for every lesson offering.
Wait for the City to confirm that Southwest Indoor Pool is operating again and publishing swim lessons.
Visit Portland Parks Recreation Activities and select swimming or aquatic lessons.
Confirm that the class is specifically at Southwest Indoor Pool rather than another Portland recreation center.
Check the minimum age, prerequisites, skill level, session dates and lesson format before selecting an opening.
If you qualify for the Access Discount Program, register before purchasing the class so eligible reduced pricing can apply.
Use the City’s activity-registration system, select the participant and class, and complete the required enrollment and payment steps.
Check for confirmation, waitlist status, first-day instructions and any schedule changes.
If lessons are full: Join an available waitlist. Portland Parks sometimes adds spaces as staffing allows. You can also call the Reservations and Payments team at 503-823-2525.
Where to Swim While Southwest Pool Is Closed
Portland Parks operates other indoor aquatic facilities. These are practical alternatives while Southwest Indoor Pool is undergoing repairs, although their own schedules and maintenance closures must be verified.
77 NE Knott Street, Portland, OR 97212.
740 SE 106th Avenue, Portland, OR 97216.
5530 SE 72nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97206.
The City also notes that East Portland’s indoor pool has its own fall 2026 maintenance period. Check availability before traveling to an alternative pool.
Other Facilities at Southwest Community Center
The center offers more than swimming, including recreation facilities that may remain available during the pool closure.
- Weight room and fitness center.
- Indoor gymnasium.
- Group fitness classes.
- Scheduled basketball and pickleball.
- Indoor Park for children age 5 and younger with an adult.
- Preschool-related programs.
- Registered recreation classes.
- TeenForce activities for eligible youth.
Activities have their own schedules and may require separate registration. Teens ages 10–20 can explore the TeenForce pass for eligible free TeenForce programming.
Directions, Parking & Arrival Tips
Southwest Indoor Pool is located inside Southwest Community Center near Gabriel Park in Portland’s Multnomah neighborhood.
| Address | 6820 SW 45th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219 |
|---|---|
| Front desk | 503-823-2840 |
| Transit | Portland Parks recreation materials identify TriMet Route 1 for Southwest Community Center. |
| Alternative parking | Gabriel Park playground parking off SW Vermont Street and Gabriel Park skatepark/tennis parking on SW 45th Avenue at SW Nevada Street. |
Check the exact parking entrance before driving. If the main lot is busy, the City lists alternative community-center parking areas in Gabriel Park.
Related Community Center Guides
If you are comparing Portland recreation facilities or want an alternative pool, these related guides may help.
Pool fees, swimming schedules, accessibility and recreation programs.
Read Matt Dishman GuideIndoor pool, admission, programs, passes and visit planning.
Read East Portland GuideUnderstand admission, swim access, registration, passes and rental considerations.
Read Recreation Center GuideBefore-You-Go Checklist
- Confirm that the December 9 reopening date has been achieved before planning a swim visit.
- Check the exact activity schedule, not just building hours.
- Compare daily admission, 20-visit and monthly passes.
- Register for an Access Discount before paying if eligible.
- For children, review the supervision and swim-safety rules.
- For lessons, check current enrollment and waitlists.
- For adaptive swimming, confirm the session and any accommodation needs.
- Check alternate parking arrangements if the main lot is full.
- Call the facility if a particular pool feature is essential to your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Southwest Community Center Swimming Pool?
Southwest Indoor Pool is located inside Southwest Community Center at 6820 SW 45th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219. The community center phone number is 503-823-2840.
2. Is Southwest Community Center Pool open in October 2026?
No. The pool has been closed since September 5, 2026, for roof and building repairs. Portland Parks currently anticipates reopening on December 9, 2026, subject to completion of the repairs.
3. How much does it cost to swim at Southwest Community Center?
Published daily admission is $4 for youth ages 3–12, $5 for teens ages 13–17, $6 for adults ages 18–59 and $5 for seniors age 60 and older. Children age 2 and younger are free. Swimming is unavailable during the current closure.
4. What are Southwest Community Center’s regular building hours?
The community center normally opens Monday–Friday 5:30 AM–9 PM, Saturday 7 AM–5 PM and Sunday 8 AM–5 PM. The pool has separate schedules and closes 30 minutes before the building when operating.
5. Does Southwest Indoor Pool offer lap swim and play swim?
Yes, during normal operations. The pool offers lap swimming, play swim, family swimming and aquatic fitness opportunities. Current swim times should be checked after the pool reopens.
6. Are swim lessons available at Southwest Community Center?
Swim lessons are normally offered as registered programs. The extended 2026 pool closure has disrupted fall programming, so families should check new registration dates, lesson availability and waitlists before enrolling.
7. Can Portland residents get discounted swimming admission?
Yes. Eligible City of Portland residents may enroll in the Access Discount Program and choose a discount of 25%, 50%, 75% or 90%. No proof of income is required, and the discount is valid for 12 months.
8. What child supervision rules apply at the pool?
Children under 10 need an adult or responsible person over age 16 in the facility. Weak swimmers and children under 48 inches tall require a supervisor age 16 or older in the water within arm’s reach.
9. Is Southwest Indoor Pool wheelchair accessible?
Portland Parks lists a zero-depth leisure pool entry, a pool-accessible wheelchair and chair lifts with straps for the lap pool and spa. The listed chair-lift weight capacity is 300 pounds.
10. Where can I swim while Southwest Pool is closed?
Other Portland Parks indoor pool options include Matt Dishman Indoor Pool, East Portland Indoor Pool and Mt. Scott Indoor Pool. Check each facility’s current schedule and any maintenance closures before visiting.
Official Sources and Updates
Last researched October 21, 2026. Opening dates, swim schedules, lessons and operating conditions may change. This independent guide is not an official City of Portland website.