Buhr Pool & Ice Arena
About the Facility
Buhr Park Outdoor Pool and Ice Rink is a year-round destination for fun and recreation! During the summer, our 25-yard pool offers plenty of space for both recreational swimming and dedicated lap lanes for fitness swimmers. The pool also features a 12-foot deep diving well, available for use by swimmers who pass the deep-end test (required for those under 12). There are locker rooms onsite to use along with picnic tables, and lounge chairs—perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
When the temperatures drop, Buhr Park transforms into a winter wonderland with our covered, open-air regulation-size ice rink. Whether you're there to observe or taking a break from skating, our outdoor heaters provide a cozy spot to warm up and enjoy the winter season.
Location:
2751 Packard St., Ann Arbor, MI
Important Reminders
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We do not allow outside swim instruction or coaching.
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Large groups of more than 10 people cannot be accommodated at Buhr Park Pool or Fuller Park Pool
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Large groups (camps, schools, organizations) should contact Veterans Memorial Pool to visit the pool, Monday-Friday, 1-3:30 p.m. (except holidays).
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Families and friend groups are always welcome!
Weather Policy
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We close for thunder and lightning and reopen when weather permits.
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No refunds are given for inclement weather.
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Swim lessons continue rain or shine.
The City of Ann Arbor operates three outdoor pools, in addition to Mack Indoor Pool. Learn more about our other pools.
Rent the rink this summer
Looking for a unique spot for your next gathering? The covered outdoor rink is available to rent during the off-ice season and is perfect for activities like roller skating and more. Please note: roller skates are not provided.
Contact chouston@a2gov.org for availability or questions.
Admission Fees
Ages 3 and under FREE with a paid adult
Youth ages 4 to 17 $5
Adult ages 18+ $6
Senior ages 60+ $5
Open Swimming Schedule
Open swim time includes 2 lanes for lap swimming, the shallow and deep end of the pool for everyone to enjoy. Daily admission applies, and all punch passes are valid. At least two lap lanes are available for lap swim.
June 13- Aug. 24
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Monday-Thursday: Noon-7 p.m.
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Friday: Noon-8 p.m.
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Saturday, Sundays: 1–8 p.m.
Aug. 25-Sept. 1
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Saturday and Sunday: 1-8 p.m.
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Monday-Friday: 4-8 p.m.
- Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept.1): Noon-8 pm
Tot Splash
Bring your little ones to enjoy the children’s wading pool, a safe and fun space designed just for toddlers! Let them splash, play, and cool off under the summer sun.
June 13- Aug. 24
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Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-Noon
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Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 25-Sept. 1
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Saturday and Sunday: 10 am- noon
- Labor Day Sept. 1: 9 am -noon
Lap Swim Only Schedule
At least two lanes will be available for lap swim during open swim hours.
Lap Swim only:
June 13- Aug. 24
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Monday-Thursday: 7-8:30 p.m. (2 lanes available)
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Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (four lanes available)
Aug. 25 - Sept. 1
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Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Labor day: 9 am-noon
Tunes at 2
Swim, relax and jam! We plan to play music daily from 2-4 p.m.
Pool Punch Pass
Your Gateway to Year-Round Swimming
Our Pool Punch Pass gives convenient access to all our public pools for individuals and families alike. Each person uses one punch per visit, making it a simple and flexible option whether you're swimming solo or bringing the whole family.
How It Works
Your punch pass is valid for all open swim and lap swim sessions throughout the year. Simply present your card at entry, and scan for each person attending. The pass remains active for a full year from purchase date and can be used at any of our public pool locations.
Important Details
Please note that punch passes cannot be used during master's swim times. These versatile passes are designed for regular swimming during standard hours. Once purchased, punch passes are not eligible for refund, so be sure to use all your punches within the one-year validity period.
Get Started Today
Make swimming a regular part of your healthy lifestyle with our convenient Pool Punch Pass!
- (10 punches): $40
- (25 punches): $100
- (50 punches): $187.50
- (100 punches) $350
Youth Group Swim Lessons
Swimming for Every Age and Stage
We offer group swim lessons for children starting from as young as 6 months. Our classes are designed to help swimmers of all levels develop important water safety skills and swimming techniques in a fun, supportive environment.
Class Information
Each session includes seven 30-minute lessons where our experienced instructors work closely with your child. We keep our class sizes small to ensure each swimmer receives personal attention and guidance.
Registration Details
- Registration for session two will be available on July 1st at 8 am
Lesson Fee: $60 for residents, $77 for non-residents
Please note that swimmers must meet the ability requirements for their level. If your child needs special placement, please contact us for instructor approval before registering.
Sign Up Today
Give your child the gift of swimming confidence and water safety skills. Spaces fill quickly, so reserve your spot today!
- Session 1 - June 16-July 15 (no lessons July 3 & July 5)
- Session 1 (Sunday)- June 22-Aug 10 (No lessons July 6)
- Session 2- July 22- Aug 10
Tuesday and Thursdays:
| Time | Level | ||
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Dolphins | Tiger Sharks | Mako Sharks |
| 9:40-10:10 a.m. | Goldfish | Hammerhead Sharks | Mako Sharks |
| 10:20-10:50 a.m. | Guppies | Minnows | Mako Sharks |
| 11-11:30 a.m. | Minnows | Goldfish | Dolphins |
| 11:40-12:10 p.m. | Goldfish | Minnows | Mako Sharks |
| 12:20-12:50 p.m. | Minnows | Goldfish | Dolphins |
| 1-1:30 p.m. | Privates | Privates | Privates |
| 1:40-2:10 p.m. | Privates | Privates | Privates |
Sundays:
| Time | |||
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Dolphins | Tiger Sharks | Mako Sharks |
| 9:40-10:10 a.m. | Goldfish | Hammerhead Sharks | Dolphins |
| 10:20-10:50 a.m. | Goldfish | Mako Sharks | Minnows |
| 11-11:30 a.m. | Guppies | Mako Sharks | Minnows |
| 11:40-12:10 p.m. | Minnows | Dolphins | Mako Sharks |
| 12:20-12:50 p.m. | Minnows | Dolphins | Goldfish |
GUPPIES
This program helps toddlers ages 1 to 3 years old and their parent or adult to become comfortable in the water and to learn skills needed for continued comfort and enjoyment in the water.
GOLD FISH
A class for 3 and 4 your old swimmers who are just starting off. Swimmers will be in the water with only the instructor and will work on getting comfortable in the pool and some important basic skills. (sessions with less than 2 students registered by June 16 will be cancelled)
MINNOWS
This class will work on building the basic skills in the water. Your 5 and 6 year old beginner swimmers will work towards more independence in the water. They will be challenged to float and move through the water on their own. (sessions with less than 3 students registered by June 16 will be cancelled)
DOLPHINS
Fundamental aquatic skills for those who can fully submerge head, float independently, blow bubbles and feel comfortable in the water.(sessions with less than 3 students registered by June 16 will be cancelled)
MAKO SHARKS
Beginning stroke development for those who can push off the side, flutter kick on back/front with arm actions and float on their front and back comfortably. (sessions with less than 3 students registered by June 16 will be cancelled)
HAMMERHEAD SHARKS
Intermediate stroke development for those who can swim front and back crawl for 10 yards, demonstrate elementary backstroke and enter deep water comfortably.(sessions with less than 3 students registered by June 16 will be cancelled)
TIGER SHARKS
Full stroke development for those who can swim front crawl for 15 yards with rotary breathing, swim backstroke for 15 yards and tread water for at least 30 seconds.(sessions with less than 3 students registered by June 16 will be cancelled)
Private Swim Lessons
Looking to build confidence in the water, improve technique, or learn to swim for the first time? Our private swim lessons offer one-on-one instruction tailored to each swimmer’s unique needs. Whether you're a beginner, refining your strokes, or need extra support, our experienced instructors will help you reach your goals.
These lessons are perfect for:
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Young swimmers (ages 3+) learning essential water safety skills
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Adults who want to gain confidence and improve their technique
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Swimmers with unique needs who benefit from a personalized approach
Each 30-minute session is customized to meet your abilities and comfort level, helping you become a safer, stronger swimmer.
Limited spots available! Call the pool to check availability.
Fee: Half hour $22 resident; $30 nonresident.
Join the Ann Arbor Octopods Swim Team!
The Ann Arbor Octopods Swim Team is a fun and competitive program for swimmers ages 5–17. With four sessions year-round, swimmers can continue developing their skills, building confidence, and enjoying the sport in a supportive team environment. Registration is required for each session and swimmers must commit to a fixed practice schedule.
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Summer: Practices will be held at Buhr and Vet’s pools, where the team competes in the WISC league. Swimmers can choose their practice location and time during registration.
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Fall, Winter, & Spring: Practices take place at Mack Indoor Pool, with competition in the SMSL league.
To join, swimmers must be able to swim one length of the pool using front crawl. Whether you're looking to refine your strokes, compete in races, or simply be part of a great team, the Octopods Swim Team is the perfect place to grow as a swimmer!
Have questions or want to talk to a coach? Contact us at octopods@a2gov.org or chouston@a2gov.org
Registration for the summer season will open on April 1st at 8 am
Buhr Practice times:
- 11 and up, advanced 9/10:
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Monday-Friday: 8-9:30 a.m.
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Monday-Thursday: 7-8:30 p.m.
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- 10 and under:
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Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
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Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
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Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 7-8 p.m.
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Vets Practice times:
- 11 and up, advanced 9/10:
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Monday-Friday: 7-8:30 a.m.
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Monday-Friday: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
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- 10 and under:
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Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
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Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
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Buhr Park Day Camp
Welcome to Buhr Park Day Camp, where adventure, creativity, and outdoor fun come together for an unforgettable summer experience! Located in the heart of Buhr Park, our camp provides a dynamic environment for campers ages 5-12 to explore nature, engage in exciting themed activities, and make lifelong memories with new friends.
Campers will cool off in the pool daily, enjoying plenty of time to splash, play, and have fun in the water! They are grouped by age at the start of each week, giving them the opportunity to connect with their counselors and build friendships while enjoying a fun and supportive atmosphere.
Join us for a summer filled with fun, laughter, and endless adventures at Buhr Park Day Camp!
- June 16-20, Lost in Space Week
- June 23-27, Mystery Week
- No Camp week of July 4
- July 7-11, Under the Sea Week
- July 14-18: Nature Week
- July 21-25, Jurassic Park Week
- July 28-Aug. 1, Pirates and Mermaids Week
- Aug. 4-8, Music Week
- Aug. 11-15, Adventure Week
Camp hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Camp fee: $210 resident per week; $255 nonresident per week.
Refund Schedule for Day Camp
- 46 days or more prior to the start of the day camp: 100% ($10 administration fee).
- Within 30-45 days of start of the day camp: 50% ($10 administration fee)
- Within 15-29 days of start of the day camp: 25% ($10 administration fee)
- Within 14 days of start of the day camp: 0% ($0)
City of Ann Arbor Public Pool Rules
- All swimmers must take a shower before entering the pool.
- Everyone must wear a clean bathing suit with liner to enter the water.
- No running or horseplay.
- All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by someone age 16 or older.
- All children under the age of 12 must pass a deep end test in order to swim in the deep end.
- Inflatables are not allowed in the pool (balls are permitted). All flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
- Diving is permitted only in the deep end of the pool. No flips, spin jumps, or back dives are allowed.
- No smoking.
- Snorkels, masks, fins, kickboards, and pull buoys are for lap swimming only.
- The City of Ann Arbor is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- The wading pool is for children ages 7 and under accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents and/or guardians must actively supervise their children.
- No glass containers are permitted within the pool area.
- The consumption of alcohol prior to or while visiting the pool is prohibited.
- Persons with infections, a communicable disease, or open skin irritations are not allowed in the pool.
- No spitting or otherwise polluting the pool.
- No pets are allowed on the pool deck.
- No animals are allowed in the pool.
- All food waste must be disposed of in garbage cans.
2751 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Carly Houston,
Recreation Supervisor
734.794.6234
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