5 Essential Updates For The South Orange Community Pool 2026 Season: Renovations, Fees, And Opening Date

As of December 2025, the South Orange Community Pool, officially known as the Peter S. Connor Memorial Swimming Pool, is poised to make a highly anticipated splash for the 2026 summer season following a period of extensive, multi-million-dollar renovations. This tax-supported aquatic hub, a jewel of the Essex County community, has undergone significant improvements to its core infrastructure, promising a fresher, more modern, and more reliable experience for all South Orange residents. The excitement is building for the official opening, which historically targets the Memorial Day Weekend to kick off the summer fun.

The recent focus has been on completing the final phases of the project, which included a critical bathhouse renovation and major resurfacing work, with final change orders authorized as late as December 2025. This means the Village of South Orange is preparing to unveil a facility that is not just repaired, but fundamentally upgraded. Whether you are seeking a place for serious lap swimming, enrolling your children in swim lessons, or simply looking for a cool, local retreat, here is everything you need to know about the updated Peter S. Connor Memorial Pool for the upcoming 2026 season.

The New Era of the Peter S. Connor Memorial Pool (2026 Updates)

The biggest news surrounding the South Orange Community Pool is the completion of its comprehensive improvement project. The renovations were a necessary investment in the longevity and quality of this vital community asset, which is situated within the expansive Cameron Field complex. The goal was to address aging infrastructure, repair persistent leaks, and enhance the overall patron experience.

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• Full Pool Resurfacing: The project included the complete resurfacing of all three aquatic areas: the main pool, the intermediate pool, and the baby pool. This ensures a pristine, like-new environment for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.
• Main Pool Decking Replacement: The entire main pool decking was replaced, improving safety, drainage, and aesthetics. This is a major structural enhancement that patrons will immediately notice.
• Bathhouse Modernization: Final touches on the bathhouse renovations, including plumbing and gutter replacements, were critical to ensuring the facility meets modern standards for convenience and hygiene.
• Leak Repair: Crucially, the project addressed an underlying leak beneath the main pool, ensuring water conservation and structural integrity for years to come.

While the official 2026 opening date is typically announced closer to the spring, the historical target is the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Patrons should monitor the official South Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs website for the finalized 2026 schedule and hours, which are typically from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekends and 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm on weekdays during the peak season.

Your Ultimate Guide to South Orange Community Pool Membership & Fees

One of the most unique and valued aspects of the Peter S. Connor Memorial Pool is its accessibility to local residents. As a tax-supported facility, general admission to the pool is free of charge for all South Orange residents who possess a valid Recreation I.D. Badge.

Recreation I.D. Badge Details

The Recreation I.D. Badge is the key to accessing the pool and other benefits. While the pool itself is free to badge holders, there is an annual fee for the badge itself. The most recent published fee for the annual resident badge is $75.00 per person for the calendar year.

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• Eligibility: The pool is strictly restricted to the use of South Orange Residents.
• Badge Benefits: The annual badge is valid seven days a week and also provides priority admittance and discounts on various Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs programs.
• Renewal Process: Residents must submit an application, copies of two proofs of residency, and the payment to the Recreation Office, which is located at The Baird.

Special Membership: Early Bird Swim

For those who prefer to get their exercise in before the heat of the day, the pool offers a specialized Early Bird Swim program. This special membership allows for dedicated lap swimming during the early morning hours, typically from 6:15 am to 8:00 am, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). This is a perfect opportunity for fitness enthusiasts, triathletes, and dedicated swimmers to utilize the Olympic Size Pool while it is less crowded.

Note on Non-Residents: Unlike some neighboring facilities, the South Orange Community Pool does not offer a general non-resident membership. Non-residents seeking a local aquatic option may consider the nearby Maplewood Community Pool which offers memberships to South Orange residents.

Aquatic Programs and Unique Features for All Ages

The Peter S. Connor Memorial Pool is more than just a large body of water; it’s a comprehensive aquatic center designed to cater to every member of the family, from toddlers to seniors. The pool's layout and programming ensures a diverse and engaging summer experience.

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Pool Features and Amenities

The facility boasts three distinct swimming areas, each serving a specific purpose:

1. Olympic Size Main Pool: This expansive pool is the main attraction, featuring dedicated lap lanes for exercise and a depth that ranges from 3.5 to 8 feet.
2. Attached Diving Tank: A separate, deep area is attached to the main pool, with a depth of 14 feet, perfect for diving.
3. Intermediate and Baby Pools: These smaller pools offer a safe and shallow environment for younger children and non-swimmers.

For safety, all patrons under the age of 16 must pass a Deep Water Test (DWT) to swim past the lap lanes and use the diving well. This ensures that only proficient swimmers access the deepest areas.

Recreational and Fitness Programs

The South Orange Department of Recreation utilizes the pool to offer a robust schedule of aquatic programs throughout the season:

• Youth Swim Lessons: Both group and private swim lessons are offered for children of all ages and skill levels, focusing on water safety and stroke development.
• Active Older Adult Programing: This includes popular Water Exercise and Water Aerobics classes, which are low-impact, high-benefit workouts designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. Pool noodles and aqua weights are often provided for these classes.
• Concessions: The pool typically features a municipal concession stand, which is a great place to grab a snack or cold drink during a long day of swimming.

The 2026 season promises to be one of the best in years, thanks to the significant investment in the facility’s renovations. The Peter S. Connor Memorial Pool remains a cherished destination and a cornerstone of summer life in South Orange, New Jersey.