Maplewood Community Pool

If you’ve ever imagined an oasis in the suburbs of New Jersey, where kids frolic on carefree summer afternoons in an aquatic wonderland just a stone’s throw from home, this is it.
Three pools — one for tiny tots to wade in, one for bigger kids to splash in, and one Olympic-​sized for adults to train in – present a wealth of options for a full day of activities, in addition to which there is a diving tank with platforms up to approximately 30 feet, and two water slides, one open and one enclosed.
A first-​rate, cash-​only poolside snack bar keeps the munchies at bay if you’ve neglected to bring your own lunch or just didn’t feel like packing one. Note, it’s not the kind that offers artisanal twists on surf cuisine or anything fancy, just good, old-​school summer treats, as well as burgers and the like.
Memberships don’t come cheap, although on a per-​use basis, a summer pass could potentially mean your family of four can splash around all summer long for under $ 2 a day. Guests are welcome, although that comes at a slightly steeper cost. Nighttime entertainment also offers local adults a reason to come back after the kids have been sent off to sleep.
The only possible thing missing is poolside cocktail service, although I’m fine with its omission since this is a family-​friendly recreational establishment and not a singles pick-​up scene.
Our family gives it 10 thumbs up!

Four pools – from kiddie to diving tanks (rare in NJ) with a large Olympic pool in the middle (and a training pool too). Very clean pool with friendly lifeguards. Great snack bar. If you like to dive, get there at 3 or 4 and try out the towers.

Why isn’t it open on weekdays in the middle of balmy June?!! It costs $ 400 a month for a family. Kind of ridiculous.

The expensive pool fees are a form of eliminating poor from the pool. This is not a community pool in the least. Way to go TC.