Metropolis City Pool 2026: New Rules, New Rates, and “Teen Passes”

The City of Metropolis is gearing up for the 2026 swim season at the City Pool.

WMOK learned during a recent Coffee Break with Mayor Jeffords that several significant changes have been announced to ensure the facility remains a safe, family-friendly environment for local residents.

Opening Day: Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2026).
New Hours: The pool will close daily at 5:00 PM to accommodate the high demand for private parties.
Resident Only: Pool passes (single and family) are now available only to Massac County residents.
The “Teen Pass”: A new waiver system for ages 13–17 to curb issues with “imported” unruly behavior and unaccompanied minors.
Daily Admission: Now $3.00.

Addressing the “Babysitter” Problem

Mayor Jeffords emphasized that the city is taking a firm stand on unaccompanied minors. In previous years, the pool often dealt with children being dropped off without supervision, leading to unruly behavior.

“Our lifeguards are there to make sure you’re staying safe—they are not babysitters,” Jeffords told WMOK.

The New Teen Access Policy:

Ages 13–17: Must have a Teen Pool Access Pass. To get one, a parent or guardian must visit City Hall to sign a waiver.
Under 13: Cannot enter without a parent or guardian unless accompanied by a sibling who holds a Teen Pool Access Pass.
Consequences: Misbehavior, including cursing or fighting, will result in immediate removal from the facility.

2026 Pricing Structure

While prices have seen a slight increase to align with rising costs, the Mayor noted that Metropolis remains significantly more affordable than surrounding area pools.

Daily Gate Fee: $3.00
Individual Season Pass: $40.00 (Massac County residents only).
Family Pass: $120.00 (Covers a family of four; $30 for each additional child).
Pool Parties: The cost is still $200 for a two-hour block (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM). Dates typically fill up within a single afternoon once the calendar opens.

Dress Code & Environment

The city is reinforcing a “proper swimwear” policy.

Expectation: Traditional swim trunks for boys and family-appropriate bathing suits for girls.
Prohibited: “Skinny” or overly revealing suits that are not suitable for a public city pool.