WALDORF, Md. — Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) opened their high school swimming pools to the public starting June 24, 2025, offering residents a way to cool off during the summer. Managed by Charles County Recreation & Parks, the facilities include indoor pools at Henry E. Lackey, North Point, and St. Charles high schools, and outdoor pools at La Plata, Thomas Stone, and Maurice J. McDonough high schools, with McDonough’s pool set to open on June 30.
The pools, located across six CCPS high schools, provide accessible recreational options for families and individuals. Indoor facilities at Henry E. Lackey High School (3000 Chicamuxen Road, Indian Head), North Point High School (2500 Davis Road, Waldorf), and the Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center at St. Charles High School (5303 Piney Church Road, Waldorf) are operational. Outdoor pools at La Plata High School (6035 Radio Station Road, La Plata) and Thomas Stone High School (3785 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf) opened earlier this week. In comparison, Maurice J. McDonough High School (7165 Marshall Corner Road, Pomfret) will welcome swimmers starting Monday.
Admission fees are standardized across all locations. Children 2 and younger enter free, while those ages 3 to 12 and 60 and older pay $5 per visit. Guests ages 13 to 59 are charged $6. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by someone 16 or older. Groups of eight or more must reserve two weeks in advance by contacting the respective pool. Operating hours vary and may change without notice, so visitors are advised to check each pool’s website or follow updates on the Charles County Parks Recreation Facebook page.
Charles County Recreation & Parks offers additional options for frequent swimmers. A $40 punch card, valid for 10 visits, can be used at any CCPS pool location but expires six months from purchase and is non-transferable. The department also provides a RecPASS and pool passes, with details available on their website. These passes aim to make regular pool access more affordable for residents.
Each pool has a dedicated phone line for inquiries: Lackey at 301-743-2470, North Point at 301-934-7475, St. Charles at 301-934-7474, La Plata at 301-932-3270, McDonough at 301-932-3470, and Thomas Stone at 301-932-3470. The facilities are equipped to handle various group sizes, but the reservation requirement for larger groups ensures capacity management and safety.
The aquatics program reflects Charles County’s commitment to community recreation. The county, located in Southern Maryland, has a history of leveraging school facilities for public use during summer months, maximizing resources for residents. The pools, ranging from modern indoor centers like the Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center to traditional outdoor setups, cater to diverse preferences. The program’s structure, with consistent pricing and access rules, ensures fairness across locations.
Safety protocols, such as the supervision requirement for younger swimmers, align with standard aquatic facility guidelines. The advance reservation policy for groups helps staff manage crowds, particularly during peak summer. The punch card and pass options demonstrate the county’s effort to balance affordability with operational sustainability, encouraging regular use while covering maintenance costs.
Residents can expect a reliable recreational outlet through August, though exact closing dates depend on school schedules and maintenance needs. The pools’ integration into the county’s broader recreation framework, overseen by the Recreation & Parks department, underscores a coordinated approach to public services. For the latest information, including any weather-related closures for outdoor pools, checking the provided social media or website links is recommended.
