Too hot? Kansas City’s newest outdoor pool is getting ready to open so soon

One of the best, tried-and-true ways to stay cool in the midst of Kansas City heat waves? A trip to the pool.

And luckily for Westside residents, construction crews are hard at work to open the Tony Aguirre Community Center on July 7.

Six months of construction — including a delay — and $4.3 million later, the pool will feature a diving board, water slide, climbing wall, water play structure and more. The pool contains both deep and shallow sections, and its zero-entry aspect allows for a gradual decline walk into the water.

“We’ve listened to the voices of residents and worked closely with community partners to create a space that is safe, inclusive, and reflects the spirit of the neighborhood,” Kansas City parks director Chris Cotten said in a statement. “With its state-of-the-art amenities and thoughtful design, this pool will serve families of all ages for years to come—a place to gather, to cool off, and connect.”

Excitement for an outdoor pool

Those visiting the community center’s indoor pool this week expressed anticipation for its new outdoor counterpart.

One such visitor was Valeria Fierro, 26, who grew up in the Westside and would often have basketball practices at Tony Aguirre.

Fierro said the center and its new pool allow “anybody to feel part of the community.”

“It’s just a nice place for kids and their families to get together and enjoy the outdoors,” Fierro said.

Barbara Montes and her husband have come to Tony Aguirre twice a week for the past three years. While her husband uses the gym, Montes swims laps and sometimes asks lifeguards she says are “like friends” for feedback on her strokes.

The two also bring their grandkids once a month to swim. They are — like their grandmother — eager for the new pool.

“The kids especially want to jump off the board,” Montes said. “And the waterslide — I hope it’s going to be for adults too because I’m going to be going on it.”

Dominica Kemp said her children are also excited by the slide. It was her first time at the community center, and she was unaware of the new addition.

“As soon as we pulled up, we were very shocked to see it,” Kemp said. “But pleasantly surprised because as soon as it opens, we’re going to be here.”

Thankful for affordability

Both Fierro and Kemp said the center’s affordable swimming passes played a key role in drawing them to the pool. Open swim sessions at the indoor pool are $2 for children, $5 for adults and $3 for seniors.

Trips to the outdoor pool will cost $5 per person. There are also passes that allow entry into any major Kansas City parks pool; the six-punch pass costs $15, and the individual season pass costs $25. VIP individual season passes for $35 allow holders to bring a guest on each visit.

Swims in the new pool will last from noon to 7 p.m. each day this summer break. Once school starts, the pool will only open on weekends.

Kemp said that as a mom of five and caregiver to 13, she needs affordable and nearby activities for her kids.

“I appreciate them always trying to upkeep the neighborhood and keep things cheap enough for the families to go to,” Kemp said.

Montes echoed Kemp’s sentiment and stressed the value public places like Tony Aguirre add to neighborhoods.

“It’s really important that the city’s got these community centers, and the way they’ve got them scattered in the neighborhoods is awesome,” Montes said. “And this is the right neighborhood to have one.”

This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 6:00 AM.