If you’ve been waiting years to swim laps at Sprain Ridge, the wait is officially over. The Sprain Ridge pool complex in Yonkers is back in full operation, with both the competition pool and the activity pool open to the public at the same time. That hasn’t happened in nearly ten years.
A Long Time Coming
Sprain Ridge has had a rough stretch. The facility sat largely out of commission for years, frustrating local families who depended on it as a summer staple. The complex briefly reopened, only to close again in 2018, leaving the larger competition pool out of service while repairs dragged on.
This summer, County Executive George Latimer made restoring the full facility a priority, setting a self-imposed August deadline to get the competition pool back in the water. His team beat it, getting the pool open in July. For a government project with this much history, that counts as a real win.
What’s New at the Sprain Ridge Pool Competition Area
The competition pool is serious. It can hold up to 500 swimmers and features eight 50-meter racing lanes running the length of the pool, plus six 23-meter lanes across its width. Whether you’re training for a race or just doing laps for fitness, the setup is built for real swimming.
Zero-Depth Entry and Accessibility Features
One standout addition is a zero-depth entry ramp, which makes the pool genuinely accessible for people who use wheelchairs. There’s also a 4-foot recreational swim section, so it’s not purely a competitive environment.
Diving Boards and Spectator Seating
Two 1-meter diving boards are also part of the plan. For events, portable bleachers will roll out onto the pool deck for spectators. A larger grassy area has been added nearby for families who want to spread out a blanket and relax a little further from the action.
Activity Pool, Spray Deck, and Bathhouse Upgrades
The competition pool isn’t the only thing that got attention this season. At the start of summer, Westchester County unveiled significant upgrades to the activity pool as well, along with an updated spray deck that kids tend to love.
Renovated Bathhouse
The bathhouse got a full renovation too. New flooring with a slip-resistant, easy-to-clean surface replaces what had become pretty worn-out over the years. It’s a small detail, but anyone who has navigated a slippery pool bathhouse will appreciate the difference.
A Brand New Playground for All Ages
One of the nicer surprises at Sprain Ridge pool this season is a completely new playground that replaced equipment more than 20 years old. The new design includes a poured-in-place rubber safety surface—springy beneath your feet, not wood chips—and two sets of age-appropriate play equipment: one for toddlers 2 to 5, and one for older children up to 12. All are compliant with ADA accessibility requirements and applicable consumer product safety codes. The playground is located right next to a reserved picnic area, so families can watch the kids while enjoying a meal.
Why the Sprain Ridge Pool Matters for Westchester Families
Sprain Ridge makes wide coverage. Well it is in Yonkers but that is just a formality.. the pool brings in swimmers from Greenburgh, Mount Vernon, Eastchester, and surrounding communities across the county. When a place like this closes or is only partially open, it affects a lot of families.
Now with both pools open, Westchester can boast a true outdoor swimming spot for its residents, and not one half of a solution. For families who don’t have a private pool or club, a county center this big is a real boon,Maybe she said it best.
Plan Your Visit This Summer
If you haven’t made it over to the Sprain Ridge pool in a minute, now’s the time. The remodeling is real, the competition pool is up and running and a brand-new playground gives families a reason to linger longer than just a session in the water.
Before you go, check the Westchester County Parks website for updated hours, admission rates, and the the schedule of closing days. Summer’s not permanent and this one has Sprain Ridge back at full tilt.
