**Due to USD 489’s last day of school not being till May 23, Opening Day will be delayed, Saturday, May 31 to allow us to train staff.
Hays Aquatic Park
4th & Main
785-623-2653 (during the season)
785-623-2650 (during the office season)
The Hays Aquatic Park is a top destination for summer fun. With water slides big and small, a lazy river, a competition pool, diving boards, and lots of space for swimming, games, and poolside lounging, the HAP is a great spot for the whole family.
**The HAP is open seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend through the Saturday before the start of the USD 489 school year. See below for admission information. Season passes are valid at the HAP and Wilson Pool.
12:30 - 6:30 pm - Everyday
Due to USD 489’s last day of school, we will not be opening till May 31, to allow us to train staff.
2025 Season Dates
Opening Day: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Closing Day: Saturday, August 16
- subject to change based on the first & last day of school for USD 489
2025 Daily Admission Fee
3 & older - $5.00
2 & under - Free
2025 Season Pass
May 1 - May 24 Early Bird Pass - $48.00/per person 3 & older
Must be purchased at the HRC Main Office or online,
May 25 - End of Season - $53.00/per person 3 & older
Scholarship Passes are available. You must have an application filled out at least one week before purchasing, and you may only purchase your scholarship passes at the Hays Recreation Main Office. All Scholarship questions should be directed to the Office Manager at 785-623-2650
All HAP guests must abide by our pool rules - click here to view.
For information on renting the HAP for Large parties and events after hours, please click here.
RULES CHANGES FOR 2025
*Children NINE (9) years of age or younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult (16 OR OLDER) to enter our facilities.
*No matter how well they swim, children NINE (9) years of age or younger must have a responsible adult (16 OR OLDER) in the water with them at all times. Please help us keep our kids safe!
*Supervision for children NINE (9) years of age or under may not exceed 5 children per adult (16 OR OLDER).
2025 SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE HAYS AQUATIC PARK
BRAIN FREEZE FUN RUN/WALK – BE A SUPERHERO
Join us on May 3, 2025, for the 5th Annual Brain Freeze Walk/Run! Embrace your inner superhero as you race through our fully paved 1-mile walk or 5K Run/Walk. Walkers, runners, bikers, and strollers are welcome as we unite to support the HRC Youth Scholarship Fund. Be a hero in your community—register today and make a difference!
Sponsors & Volunteers include Geek Labs, McDonald’s of Hays, City of Hays CVB, Hays High Student Council Students, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, and Ellis County Cancer Council.
Entry Deadline: April 23
for a guaranteed shirt on Race Day
Entry Fee: $18.00 / $20.00 Day of Race
Held on: Saturday, May 3
Times: Registration starts at 8:15 a.m.
Race begins at 9:00 a.m.
Ages: ALL AGES
Location: Hays Aquatic Park - 4th & Main
DASH 4 DISABILITIES FUN RUN
This year we will host our 14th annual Dash 4 Disabilities FUN RUN! This run will consist of your choice of a 1-mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk. The run will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) programs held by HRC. Our goal is to make it so these programs are inexpensive for our participants. Don’t miss out on this fun event, and a great way to give back and make our community a better place for people of all abilities. Sponsors for this event include DSNWK, Papa Murphy’s and HESS Services.
Entry Deadline: June 4
Entry Fee: $10.00, $12.00 after the deadline
Held on: Saturday, June 7
Times: Registration at 7:15 a.m.
Race begins at 8:00 a.m.
Ages: All Ages
Location: Front of Hays Aquatic Park
FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL
Happy Father’s Day dads! On Sunday, June 15, bring Dad down and enjoy a day of fun at the Hays Aquatic Park. Dads swim free if accompanied by a paid child.
AQUATIC FITNESS MIXER
This free event is a great way to introduce yourself to our aquatic fitness classes. We will have a variety of different workouts for you to sample; from pool deck aerobics to lazy river fitness, to our traditional Water Works classes. Come prepared to exercise on land and in the water.
Entry Fee: Free
Held on: Friday, July 4
Times: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
JUDD’S SUMMER SLAM TRIATHLON
Hays Recreation Commission, Progressive Physical Therapy, and Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza of Hays are proud to offer our annual Summer Slam Triathlon. Come take on a 400-meter swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5k run solo or as a team.
Kids sign up for the Judd’s Kids Division (14 & under) and complete a 100-meter swim, 5k bike ride, and 1 mile run. Proceeds from the Judd’s Kids Division will benefit the Judd’s Journey Project, in memory of Judd Cherryholmes, that brings awareness to Trisomy 18 and infant loss. Proceeds will go towards providing resources and support for families who suffer the loss of an infant child.
All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Door prizes are handed out and medals are awarded to winners of each division. Sign up at raceentry.com.
Entry Deadline: July 16
Entry Fee: $18.00, $22.00 after the deadline
Held on: Saturday, July 19
Times: Registration at 7:15 a.m.
Race begins at 8:00 a.m.
Ages: 10 & older
Location: Hays Aquatic Park - 4th & Main
DOG SWIM
Bring your dog for some fun in the water. We are opening up the Hays Aquatic Park’s zero-depth entry pool for all dogs to come and play before we drain the pool. The pool chemicals are adjusted for a different breed of swimmer. For human safety, guests can only get in the water up to their thighs. All dogs must have current vaccinations including rabies. Owners must be in control of their pet(s) at all times, two pets per guest max. Please note that this is open to all dogs so come with the equipment needed to keep your dog under control. You will be responsible for cleaning up after your dog.
Held on: Saturday, August 23
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: $5.00 per dog
Upcoming Activities & Events
