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Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility

This hidden gem aquatics facility features a competition-standard pool and a warmer training and therapeutic pool.
Page updated on May 8, 2026 at 9:14 AM

Aquatics

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

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Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility with lifeguards on the left watching patrons and community members on the right partaking in a swim lesson

 

View Schedule

M-Th: 4-9 p.m.
F: Special events only
Sa-Su: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

TRAINING POOL
Sa-Su: 2-6:30 p.m.
Summer M-F: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

SEASONAL HOURS
June 15–August 16 | M-Su: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

View annual holiday hours (federal & observed holidays)

*Pool closes 15 minutes prior to facility closure

RPCA Register Now Webbox

Register for Programs

Discover the benefits of moving in the water. From swim lessons to fitness classes, our aquatics programs make it easy to stay active and have fun in the water. Register today and dive in!

At a Glance

Directions: 3795 W Braddock Rd
Contact Us: 703.746.5479
Center Director: Bailey Stapleton

AMENITIES

  • Competition-standard Pool (lap swim)
  • DASH Bus Stop
  • Free Parking Lot
  • Locker Rooms
  • Pool/Classroom Rental
  • Smaller Accessible Training Pool for Therapeutic Swimming (10 degrees warmer; Open Swim)

Know Before You Go

RPCA Aquatic Lap Swim Webbox

Pool Schedule

Please note: Pool lane availability and space may vary due to programming needs, special events, or unexpected circumstances. We strive to minimize disruptions and appreciate your understanding.

May: Calendar

May Lap Lane Schedule: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5

Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility Entrance

Accessing the Facility

Park in the Minnie Howard Campus lot and walk along the Braddock Rd. sidewalk. Turn right at the Alexandria City HS Athletic Center & Fields sign, follow the fenced asphalt, and enter Door 8 (Athletic Center). Upper lot near fields open during recreation hours. ADA accommodations: 703.746.5479

Smiling female child with red swim cap and pink goggles swimming in an indoor pool

Pass & Daily Visit Fees

POOL DAILY ADMISSION FEES

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

View fitness passes and personal training fees

Icon for Facility Rentals

Facility Rental

Per hourResidentsNon-residents
Lane Rental$35$55
Classroom$59$79

For a complete list of RPCA facilities and park rentals, visit alexandriava.gov/parks/rentals.

RPCA Financial Assistance Icon Webbox

Financial Assistance

  • Learn more and access resources: Financial Assistance Information
  • Policy: Financial Assistance Policy
  • Application: English | Español | አማርኛ | العربية
    • Submit in person at the pool or email to Chinquapin@alexandriava.gov
  • Questions? Call 703.746.5414 or (TTY) 703.838.4902
Icon of Safety Policy

Guest & Youth Safety Policy

Teens 13–17 must be supervised by a paying adult (18+) unless a Teen Registration Form is on file. Children 12 & under must be with an adult at all times; ages 5 & under require the adult in the water within arm’s reach. Guests 13+ must show a photo ID. This ensures safety for everyone at the pool.

Explore the Center

Minnie Howard's competition pool featuring several lanes, diving boards, and red, white, and blue flags above the pool
Minnie Howard's therapeutic pool featuring a group of community members engaged in an aquatics program, while a lifeguard stands on the left side facing them, another lifeguard walks between the two pools, and a third lifeguard sitting on his lifeguard chair
Floating Sound Bath Class
Diving Class
Mother in red swimsuit guiding her daughter in the open swim area of the pool
Kids in the deep end of the pool by the diving platforms engaged in a swim class
A child sitting inside one blow up pool toy while her mother, who's standing next to her, hands her a blow up volleyball pool toy
Pool toys and blow ups on the water, while a child is inside one of the blow up wheel
A man is lap swimming in the competition pool of Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility
Low Impact Exercise in the therapeutic pool at Minnie Howard with several participants smiling and engaging with pool noodles in one hand and the other stretched out to the side
of
Grid View Close Modal
Minnie Howard's competition pool featuring several lanes, diving boards, and red, white, and blue flags above the pool
Minnie Howard competition pool
Minnie Howard's therapeutic pool featuring a group of community members engaged in an aquatics program, while a lifeguard stands on the left side facing them, another lifeguard walks between the two pools, and a third lifeguard sitting on his lifeguard chair
Minnie Howard's therapeutic pool is accessible and kept at 10 degrees warmer than the competition pool
Floating Sound Bath Class
Floating Sound Bath aquatics class
Diving Class
Diving class
Mother in red swimsuit guiding her daughter in the open swim area of the pool
Free swim
Kids in the deep end of the pool by the diving platforms engaged in a swim class
Swim class for kids
A child sitting inside one blow up pool toy while her mother, who's standing next to her, hands her a blow up volleyball pool toy
Pool fun at Minnie Howard
Pool toys and blow ups on the water, while a child is inside one of the blow up wheel
More pool fun at Minnie Howard
A man is lap swimming in the competition pool of Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility
Lap swim
Low Impact Exercise in the therapeutic pool at Minnie Howard with several participants smiling and engaging with pool noodles in one hand and the other stretched out to the side
Low Impact Exercise class in the therapeutic pool

Pool Tips & Rules

ATTIRE:

  • Proper swimwear is required at all times. Swimwear should be tight-fitting, clean, and water-safe. Pool attire should be clean and water safe. Prohibited items include denim, excessively loose or bulky clothing, street shoes, and thong bottoms. Unsure? Ask a staff member.
  • Bathers who are not toilet-trained or who are incontinent must wear a swim diaper or tight-fitting plastic pants.

    Images of acceptable swimwear for the pools in shades of blue: long-sleeve top, one piece suit, swim balaclava, short-sleeve shirt, pool shoe, short shorts, shorts to the knee, swim bottoms covering the back, swim bra with full coverage, tight swim leggings, tight full body suit
    Images of unacceptable swimwear for the pools in black outline and red circle with a slanted line in the middle on top of them: loose sweatshirt, loose pants, bikini bottoms

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.
  • Teens 13–17 must be supervised within direct line of sight by a paying adult (18+) unless a Teen Registration Form is on file. Children 12 & under must be with an adult at all times; ages 5 & under require the adult in the water within arm’s reach. Guests 13+ must show a photo ID. This ensures safety for everyone at the pool.
  • 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:

  • Men's, women's, and universal locker rooms with showers are available at each pool. You may bring a lock for a day-use locker or bring your personal items to the pool deck.
  • 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:

  • Ask staff before bringing pool toys or swim gear from home.
  • Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are allowed. No inflatable floats or water wings. Anyone wearing a life jacket must stay within arm’s reach of an adult.
  • Swim training equipment is authorized for instructed class or program use only unless staff provides approval.
  • Staff may remove any item for safety reasons. Free life jackets are available to borrow.

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.
  • Lane or Zone Assignment: Lanes and zones are designated for lap swim, open swim, programs, and rentals. A staff member can assist you with finding a lane or zone for your visit.

SAFETY BREAKS:

  • When the weather is hot or the pool is crowded, lifeguards will blow their whistles to signal safety breaks from the 45-minute mark to the top of the hour, hourly. During safety breaks, only adults may remain in the water, and some zones may be closed (such as diving boards and the training pool). Safety breaks are a great time for lifeguards and swimmers to get some shade, rehydrate, use the restroom, and reapply sunscreen to ensure that the fun can safely continue after the break.

Inclement Weather:

  • Participants in an aquatic class cancelled due to inclement weather may receive a credit for the missed class depending on how much time was lost; credits are applied at the end of the season.

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 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).

Other City Pools

RPCA RO Chinquapin 3

Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility

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Alexandria Pools

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