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Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility

The new Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility in Alexandria features a competition-standard pool and a training pool that is kept 10 degrees warmer.
Page updated on May 22, 2025 at 5:18 PM

Aquatics

  • Fitness Passes
  • Registration Information
  • Recreation Programs
  • Aquatic Facilities
  • Recreation Centers

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Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility

RPCA Aquatics Minnie Howard Image 1

FACILITY HOURS & ADDRESS

ADDRESS

3795 W Braddock Rd | 703.746.5479

Center Director: Bailey Stapleton

LAP SWIM

  • M-Th: 4-9 p.m.
  • Sa-Su: 7-10 a.m. & 2:30-6:30 p.m.

OPEN SWIM

  • Sa-Su: 2:30-6:30 p.m.

SUMMER HOURS 

June 16-August 17

  • Daily:
    • 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
    • Open Swim: 1-6 p.m.

Additional Hours

*Pool closes 15 minutes prior to facility closure

FACILITY AMENITIES

Competition-standard pool (Lap Swim), Smaller Accessible Training Pool for Therapeutic Swimming (10 degrees warmer; Open Swim), Free Parking Lot, DASH Bus Stop on Campus

  • Admission must be purchased inside the recreation center

Directions
How to Enter
Program Guide
Holiday Hours

Additional Hours

Annual Facility Maintenance & Cleaning: Closed (June 30-July 13)

Holiday SchedulesRegular Hours

Minnie Howard Entrance*

Starting Monday, April 7, and continuing through May 26, customers will need to access the Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility by walking from the parking lot to the rear of the building and up the stairs to the front entrance. For customers who are unable to use the stairs, there is an alternative entrance available at the lower-level doors near the loading dock.

For ADA accommodations, please call 703.746.5479.

Minnie Howard Entrance Web Banner

Pass & Daily Visit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

Pool Daily Admission Fees

  • Child (0-4)  $0 Resident / Non-resident $2
  • Youth (5-17)  $6 Resident / Non-resident $7
  • Adult (18+)  $9 Resident / Non-resident $12
  • Senior (60+) $7.20 Resident / Non-resident $12
  • Adult Chaperone with Youth (not participating) $1 Resident / Non-resident $4

Season Pass & Financial Assistance Information

Season PASSES

Includes use of pool (Minnie Howard or Chinquapin), fitness room, locker room, sauna, drop-in racquetball play, and certain drop-in fitness classes (Chinquapin Only).

  • Individual Fitness Pass - 25 Visits, valid for 12 months
    • Youth (5-17)  $130 Resident / $200 Non-resident
    • Adult (18+)  $160 Resident / $250 Non-resident
    • Senior (60+)  $128 Resident / $250 Non-resident
  • 1-month Unlimited Fitness Pass
    • Single  $55 Resident / $100 Non-resident
    • 2 Persons  $95 Resident / $175 Non-resident
    • Senior (60+) - Single  $44 Resident / $100 Non-resident
    • Senior (60+) - 2 Persons  $76 Resident / $175 Non-resident
  • 6-month Unlimited Fitness Pass
    • Single  $260 Resident / $500 Non-resident
    • 2 Persons  $450 Resident / $875 Non-resident
    • Senior (60+) - Single  $208 Resident / $500 Non-resident
    • Senior (60+) - 2 Persons  $360 Resident / $875 Non-resident
    • Family (up to 4 Persons)  $515 Resident / NA
  • 12-month Unlimited Fitness Pass
    • Single  $465 Resident / $885 Non-resident
    • 2 Persons  $805 Resident / $1,454 Non-resident
    • Senior - Single  $372 Resident / $885 Non-resident
    • Senior - 2 Persons  $644 Resident / $1,454 Non-resident
    • Family (up to 4 Persons)  $909 / NA

FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR CITY RESIDENTS

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities encourages participation in City services from all City residents. If you, a member of your family, or a friend would like to purchase an Aquatics Pass and are in need of fee assistance in order to participate, please view the Financial Assistance Policy or contact the sponsoring program office for more detailed information. Financial Assistance Requests can be filled out at the pool or emailed to Chinquapin@alexandriava.gov. For fee assistance information, call 703.746.5414 or (TTY) 703.838.4902.

Please Note: All teenagers, 13 through 17 years of age, must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a paying adult (18+) unless their parent or guardian has completed a Teen Registration Form. All children 12 years of age and younger must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a paying adult (18+). This includes adults being in direct line of sight of children/youth while they swim, either viewed from the pool deck or from the water. Children 5 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult (18+) in in the pool with them, and within arm's length at all times. All guests ages 13 and older are required to show a current photo ID card (school ID cards may be used). This policy is necessary to maintain safety and enjoyment at the City's swimming pools. 

Pool Tips & Rules

Pool Rules

ATTIRE:

  • Proper swimwear is required at all times. Pool attire should be clean and water-safe. Prohibited items include denim, excessively loose or bulky clothing, street shoes, and thong bottoms.

  • Bathers who are not toilet-trained or who are incontinent must wear a swim diaper or tight-fitting plastic pants.

ADMISSION:

  • Guests must shower before each entry into the pool.

  • Only pass holders, daily admission guests, and registered participants are allowed in the pool area.
  • Only service animals are welcome.
  • Guests under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult at least 18 years of age.
  • Follow usage policies and age guidelines posted in each activity area.
  • Patrons known to have or suspected of having a communicable or skin disease, diarrhea in the past two weeks, open wounds, inflamed eyes, or nasal or ear discharge, are not permitted in the pool.
  • The following are not permitted: firearms, alcohol, illegal drugs, smoking and smokeless tobacco, gum, food in activity areas, and inappropriate behavior and language.

DIVING CONDUCT:

  • Diving area consists of diving board, ladder, and diving well.
  • Only one guest is permitted on the diving board at a time.
  • Each guest must wait to climb the ladder until the diving well is clear.
  • Catching guests off the board is not permitted.
  • Guests may only spring on the board once.
  • Guests may only dive straight off the end of the board. Flips, cartwheels, and handstands are prohibited.
  • Goggles and flotation devices may not be worn, while diving off the board.
  • Guests must swim directly to the nearest ladder and exit the pool.
  • General swimming is permitted in the diving well area when the diving boards are closed and lifeguard is in stand.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE:

  • Food is prohibited in the pool area and locker rooms.
  • Use resealable, non-glass beverage containers.

LOCKER ROOMS AND SHOWERS:

  • City of Alexandria is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Please secure all belongings with personal locks in the lockers provided, not on the floor or surrounding areas. All lockers will be emptied nightly, so please remove belongings and locks when finished.
  • Children with special needs or under age six may use the opposite gender’s locker room accompanied by a guardian. Guardians must protect the privacy of other users. (RPCA 9.7)
  • Video and photography are prohibited in locker rooms.
  • Do not use razors or shaving items in showers.
  • Conserve water. Please limit showers to 15 minutes.
  • Loitering is prohibited.

POOL ITEMS:

  • City staff must approve any pool items brought from home.
  • Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or flotation suits that are directly attached to the body are allowed with direct adult supervision. Inflatable swimming aides are prohibited.
  • Swim training equipment is authorized for instructed program use only.

POOL AND SWIM CONDUCT:

  • Do not drink pool water.
  • Video and still photography are only permitted with permission.
  • Children four years and under or non-proficient swimmers should remain in shallow area or must be within arm’s reach of an adult while in the pool.
  • Lap swim is permitted in designated areas. When more than two swimmers are in a lane, please circle swim counter-clockwise.
  • City staff may prohibit any behavior deemed unsafe or disruptive. Diving, pushing, back dives, flips, spins from the side of the pool, prolonged underwater swimming, and breath-holding are prohibited.

Open Swimming & Safety Swim Test

Open swimming is first-come, first-served on a drop-in basis. Adult swimmers and youth swimmers* can use the diving well when available. 

*Youth swimmers must pass the swim test before going to the diving well or using the diving board. Please see a staff member to take the swim test and get a wristband upon successful completion of the test.

Safety Swim Test

Enter the water and submerge head and continue.

Swim the length of the pool (25 yards) without stopping and demonstrating freestyle or breaststroke with good breath control (no 'heads up' swimming) and remaining on their front.

Tread water for 30 seconds.

Lap Swimming

Lap swimming is first-come, first-served on a drop-in basis. When swimming in a lane with other swimmers, please let others know you are entering the lane. For 2 swimmers, split the lane, with each swimmer staying on 1 side of the pool respectively; for 3+ swimmers, circle swim counterclockwise (always stay to your right).

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