The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department is gearing up for summer fun, which includes the opening of several options for swimming and splashing over Memorial Day weekend. From fountains and spray grounds to outdoor pools and lakes, there are numerous ways to make a splash this summer in Colorado Springs.
Spray grounds
Deerfield Hills Spray Ground, located in southeast Colorado Springs at the Deerfield Hills Community Center, includes more than 50 individual spray nozzles and 16 water spray features. The spray ground opens June 1 and operates 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
The Watering Hole at Venezia Park, located in northeast Colorado Springs at John Venezia Community Park, has more than a dozen water features that are directly adjacent to an award-winning universally accessible playground, plus sports fields, courts and trails. The watering hole opens May 23 and its daily operating hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Splash Pad at Panorama Park is located in southeast Colorado Springs at the award-winning Panorama Park. The park features a universally accessible playground, an event lawn, bike park, youth area with skate features, a climbing boulder, a fitness station and more! The splash pad opens May 23 and its daily operating hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
There is no cost to use the spray grounds. Spray grounds will have periodic shut downs for on-going maintenance. For session start-times, visit the Spray Grounds and Fountains webpage.
Fountains
Downtown Colorado Springs is home to Uncle Wilber Fountain in Acacia Park, a beloved and interactive water feature for families to enjoy during the summer season. The Uncle Wilber Fountain operates daily from 12 p.m.–6 p.m. Admission is free. Be sure to visit the renovated Acacia Playground next to Uncle Wilber Fountain.
Updated in 2022, the playground features a unique Ninja Warrior-style climbing structure with endless opportunities for imaginative play and adventure, along with a tot lot that includes rubberized climbing features, a slide and spinner.
As part of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services’ 2026 budget adjustments, the Julie Penrose Fountain at America the Beautiful Park will not operate during the 2026 season. This temporary change supports department-wide cost savings while maintaining core park services
Outdoor Pools
The Monument Valley and Wilson Ranch pools, located in central and western Colorado Springs, respectively, open for daily use starting May 23, weather permitting. The outdoor pools are operated through a partnership between the City of Colorado Springs and the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. They are open to members of the public who purchase a day pass and also to YMCA members. Visit ppymca.org/poolpass for pool hours and costs.
Portal Pool and the Memorial Park Family Center YMCA are closed until further notice due to concerns around the structural integrity of the facilities. The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services department has planned further assessments to find a path forward for both facilities. More information will be shared when it’s available.
All pools, fountains and spray grounds may close for the day when forecasted temperatures are not expected to rise above 65 degrees. Operations typically resume once warmer weather returns. These amenities may also temporarily close during inclement weather or lightning events for public safety.
For the latest updates on closures, maintenance and weather delays, follow @COSFountains on Facebook before visiting.
Prospect and Quail lakes – open for recreation year round
Prospect Lake in Memorial Park allows for fishing, paddle boarding, swimming and motorized use. There are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming is at your own risk during designated swimming days in the roped off area in front of the Beach House – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There is no cost or permit needed to swim, however stand-up paddleboards can be rented through S.U.P. Colorado Springs.
Also at Memorial Park, which is located in central Colorado Springs, visitors can enjoy the 1.25-mile paved trail around the lake or use the lakeside fitness stations. There are two playgrounds, one of which is universally accessible; several sports fields and courts; and a skate park. Sertich Ice Center is also located here, offering affordable public ice-skating opportunities year-round.
Quail Lake in southwest Colorado Springs offers fishing, non-motorized boating and paddle boarding. Swimming is not allowed in Quail Lake. There is a 1-mile fitness trail around the lake, a playground, picnic tables, and volleyball and basketball courts.
Permits are required for fishing and any type of watercraft usage, motorized and non-motorized, on both Prospect and Quail lakes.