Pool Complex

Elm Avenue Park Pool Complex closed for Summer 2020. We are currently planning to open the splash pads only..

Splash Pads Open Monday, July 13

What to know before you arrive

  • Hours of operation – 11 am - 4 pm, 7 days a week
    • No official closing date yet
    • Please limit your visits to 1 hour maximum
  • Masks will be required to enter and whenever you are within 6 feet of another person
    • Mask must be removed while on splash pads
    • Children under two years of age are not required to wear a mask
  • No Locker Rooms
    • Arrive / leave with swim suit on
    • Outdoor shower available
    • Bathrooms open
  • Admission is Free!
  • Residents only
    • NO guests allowed
  • You must have a household set up with Park Office before you enter
    • If you previously had a pool pass, registered for a class, or rented a pavilion post-2006 you should already have a household
    • Households must be set up through the Park Office (can’t be done at the pool) by phone or email, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3:30 pm, call 518-439-4955 x2131 or email parks@townofbethlehem.org
  • Photo ID required – Driver License preferred
    • Needed to enter the complex, after your household is set up with Park Office.
  • Limited Capacity – total 30
    • 15 per splash pad
    • Individual Group size limit of 10
Printable version

  • Open to Town of Bethlehem residents and their guests. Non-residents must be accompanied by a resident with a valid pool pass.
  • Bethlehem Central School District residents who do not live in the Town of Bethlehem may obtain a special Pay-As-You-Go pass and pay guest rates. A Bethlehem Central School District tax bill is required to obtain a pass.
  • Free WiFi available thanks to the Bethlehem Public Library.


Features


The Elm Avenue Park pool complex is open daily from June 5 to September 2, 2019, weather permitting. The pool complex consists of a 50-meter pool, an intermediate pool, a diving pool, two children's spray pools, a children's play area, locker rooms, and a concession stand. The concession stand offers a variety of hot and cold food and drinks at reasonable prices. Please note that the concession stand will accept VISA, Master Card, and Discover credit cards, but not debit cards. No smoking and no alcohol or glass containers are allowed. Enjoy the best outdoor pool facility in the Capital District
The pool complex is a tobacco-free zone. Thank you for your cooperation.

Hours


The hours of operation are as follows (weather permitting):
Facility Hours
Olympic and L-Shaped pools and Splash Islands
 Daily 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Diving pool
 Closed for the season*
Concession Stand
 Daily 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Special Notes

  • Pools are cleared daily 10 minutes prior to closing time.
  • At times throughout the summer, sections of the pools may be closed due to staff limitations.
  • On weekdays from July 1 - August 9, only a small section of the L-shaped pool will be open from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • From August 10 - September 2, the pool complex will be open 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday - Friday and 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day.
  • Children under age 9 must be accompanied by someone age 14 and older.
  • *The Town uncovered serious unforeseen structural problems in the Dive Pool this spring while undertaking the first major rehabilitation work on it in 46 years. We therefore must close the Dive Pool this summer but all other pools and park operations will be open.

Pool Passes


All residents age 5 and older must have a pool pass to enter the pool complex. There are two options for passes.

Pay-as-you-go Pass


Swipe your pass and pay admission at the pool desk. Non-resident guests must be accompanied by a resident with a valid pool pass.  See rates below.

Season Pass


Swipe your pass at the pool desk and enter the pool complex.

Obtaining a Pass for the first time


  • Passes must be obtained in person at the pool or the office during the following hours:
    • Pool: Daily, during pool hours until 30 minutes before closing
    • Office: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • If you are a Town of Bethlehem property owner, bring photo ID and we will verify your residency using the current year’s tax roll.
  • If you rent in the Town of Bethlehem, bring photo ID and proof of residency* such as a current utility bill, lease agreement, etc. No PO boxes.

Renewing Your Pass


Passes must be renewed every year except Senior Citizen passes.

  • Renew online
    • Use your household ID and password to renew your pool pass.
    • If you do not have a household ID or password, call the Parks and Recreation Office (518-439-4955, extension 2131).
    • Residency for all online pass renewals will be verified using the 2018 tax rolls; sorry, this option is only available if you are a town property owner.  Renters use mail or in person options below.
  • Renew by mail
    • Complete the Pool Pass Renewal Form.
    • If you reside in the Town of Bethlehem but are not a property owner, you must provide proof of residency*.
    • Include payment (if choosing a season pass).
  • Renew in person by bringing a photo I.D. and proof of residency* to the pool or the office during the following hours:
    • Pool: Daily, during pool hours until 30 minutes before closing
    • Office: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
*Acceptable proof of residency:  Photo I.D. and a current utility bill, property tax bill, or lease agreement (all bills or agreements must have a printed street address, no P.O. boxes)

There is a $5 fee to replace lost passes.

Pool Fees


Season Pass Rates


Type Cost
Family 4+
 $245
Family 3
 $215
Family 2
 $165
Individual Adult (age 14 - 61) $100
Individual Child (age 5 - 13) $85
Child Care Provider (non-resident) $115

Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted for season passes. A child care provider must be employed by a Bethlehem family at least eight weeks or 30 hours per week during the summer.

Pay-as-you-go Rates


Age Cost for resident with
2019 validated pass
 Cost for non-resident guest or
resident without a pass
Adults (age 14 - 61)
After 5 p.m. 		$5.00
$4.25		 $8.00
$6.50
Senior Citizens (age 62+)
After 5 p.m. 		Free
Free 		$5.00
$3.75
Children (age 5 - 13)
After 5 p.m.		 $4.50
$3.75		 $6.50
$5.50
Children (under 5)
After 5 p.m.		 Free
Free		 $6.50 (age 2 - 4)
$5.50 (age 2 - 4)

  • Please note that refunds cannot be granted. Please watch weather forecasts carefully.
  • Credit cards are accepted for pay-as-you-go payments.
  • Rates apply to EVERYONE entering the pool complex regardless of whether you swim or not.
 

Pool Party Reservations


Town of Bethlehem residents with a valid pool pass may reserve the "arts and crafts" shelter and surrounding grass area near Splash Islands for parties.

Pool Complex Rules


Please follow all pool complex rules. Also, help protect against recreational water illness by abiding by the following rules:
  • Individuals with diarrhea shall not use the pools or spray ground.
  • Shower yourself and your child after using the toilet.
  • Use foot showers at the spray ground.
  • Children who are not fully toilet-trained must wear a swim diaper covered by rubber pants.
  • There shall be no urinating, discharging of fecal matter, expectorating, or blowing the nose in the pool or on the spray ground.
  • Please use locker rooms for diaper changing.
  • Spray features use recycled water; do not drink.