James Orange Swimming Pool

A very cool pool! The James Orange Swimming Pool is Atlanta’s brand new community pool and it’s on the MARTA line.
It’s about one-​fourth mile from the Oakland City train station – just a short walk from the station gates. Cross over Campbellton Road and head down Oakland Drive until you reach the park entrance. If you’re driving, there are two dozen parking spaces near the pool.
The park itself has been open since 1909 but construction on the pool was just completed this year. Its official ribbon cutting ceremony was in July 2015. There’s a little something for everyone at this City of Atlanta pool.
For the history buffs, there are photo tributes to the Atlanta-​based civil rights activist, Reverend James Orange. For those who want to cool off without getting submerged, there is a splash pad. Those who don’t want to get wet at all can stay dry on a patch AstroTurf under (what else) an orange tent.
The pool isn’t designed for lap swim or for diving because there aren’t any lane dividers and its max depth is 3 feet 6 inches. It reminds me of a large backyard pool. There are lifeguards poolside to keep everyone safe and one side of the pool has orange buckets that dump out cool water every few seconds.
It’s open seven days of the week from 12:30 until 8pm. Members of the community can swim for free for the first 3.5 hours, from 12:30 to 4pm. After that they charge an admission. Their fee schedule is as follows:
Children under age 5 — Free
Children 6 – 16 years — $ 2
Adults 17 – 54 years — $ 4
Adults over 55 years — $ 2
Visitors should register for membership and present their membership cards when visiting the pool. You can do that onsite or online at
. You can also find information about renting the pool for a special event or party.
The nearby playground, basketball court and greenspace make the James Orange Swimming Pool a great pick for birthday parties, family reunions and BBQ get-​togethers!
NOTE: This year the pool will be open through Monday, September 7.