Goodman Pool Opens Friday, First 500 Kids Admitted Free

The Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Pool opens for the 2024 season on Friday, June 7! Thanks to the generosity of Goodman's Jewelers, the first 500 kids receive free admission starting at 12pm! Honoring Irwin and Robert Goodman, John and Catherine Hayes, owners of Goodman’s Jewelers continue this annual tradition of sponsoring opening day admission for the first 500 children.

“I am proud to be able to open the pool in honor of Bob and Irwin every year. My wife and I, as well as my staff, all believe in giving back. It gives us great pleasure to be able to carry on the Goodman’s legacy,” said John Hayes, owner of Goodman’s Jewelers.

The Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Pool is named in honor of the long-time community members and philanthropists, who donated $2.8 million to jumpstart the project. This incentive was just what the City and Madison Parks Foundation needed to dive into action, raising enough funds to complete the project and open the pool in 2006.

Goodman Pool, located at 325 W. Olin Ave., is a place for everyone regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to the Madison Parks Foundation, admissions fee assistance through scholarships is awarded to hundreds of children each season. Families with youth 18 years of age and younger meeting the guidelines may apply online.

Recreation open swim is offered daily, weather permitting, with set limited or reduced access dates due to the Goodman Waves Swim & Dive Team meets. Season passes are available for purchase online and picked up at the pool once open for the season or purchase directly from the Pool’s ticket window. Since 2022, aquatics programs for all ages are offered by Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR). See Classes & Lessons, for more information.

Pool patrons should review the Rules & Expectations before visiting the pool, which includes an updated Pool Behavior Policy, approved by the Board of Park Commissioners early this year.

Tot Swim is offered Friday through Sunday mornings, starting Saturday, June 8. It is an easy, quieter time for a parent or guardian and child aged 10 years and younger to enjoy the zero-depth area with water features, catch pool and shallow end. See Hours & Prices for more information and scheduling exceptions.

Expanded Lap Swim hours include Monday – Friday starting at 6am and Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8am, and evening hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Lap Swim also begins for the season on Saturday, June 8, weather permitting. See Hours & Prices for more information and scheduling exceptions.

See GoodmanPool.com for more information throughout the season. 

Goodman's Jewelers is Madison's oldest full-service jewelry store, first opening in 1933 by Bob and Irwin Goodman. In 1998 long-time employee, John Hayes purchased Goodman's Jewelers from the brothers and for more than 90 years, the store remains at its original location on historic State Street, just two blocks from the Wisconsin State Capitol.