Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
After months of uncertainty, Mike Wood Pool officially reopened Tuesday, giving Bossier City families a place to cool off and enjoy summer activities once again.
City officials joined representatives from Rock Solid Athletic Club during a press conference at the pool to announce a new partnership that made the reopening possible and will help expand recreational opportunities for local residents.
Just weeks ago, the future of Mike Wood Pool was in question after officials announced plans to permanently close the facility and replace it with a splash pad. The proposal sparked strong community reaction, with many residents voicing support for preserving one of the city’s longest-standing summer attractions.
Bossier City Council President Chris Smith said the public response demonstrated just how important the facility is to generations of local families.
“A few months ago, many people were concerned whether this pool would even be open,” Smith said. “What became clear through that conversation is just how much this facility means to the residents of Bossier City. For generations, this pool has been a place where children learned to swim, families made memories and the community came together.”
City leaders credited a collaborative effort between Bossier City and Rock Solid Athletic Club for finding a solution that would allow the pool to remain open.
Chief Administrative Officer Shane Cheatham said the partnership not only saved the city’s last public swimming pool but will also allow for expanded programming and water safety initiatives.
“By working together, we found a way to keep Mike Wood Pool open while continuing to provide affordable access to swimming, recreation and water safety programs for our residents,” Cheatham said.
As part of the announcement, officials revealed that Bossier City secured $36,000 in state funding to offer free swimming lessons throughout the summer. The program marks the return of free swim lessons at Mike Wood Pool for the first time since 2018.
The pool is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with admission set at $2.50 per person.
To celebrate the reopening, city officials announced a special community event scheduled for Thursday, June 4. The pool will extend its operating hours from noon until 7 p.m., and admission will be free for all visitors.
Beginning at 4 p.m., families can enjoy complimentary hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. Officials will also open registration for 400 free swim lesson spots available this summer.
Parks and Recreation Director Mary Ward and Rock Solid Athletic Club owner Shelley McMillian said the partnership is designed to ensure local families continue to have access to affordable recreation opportunities while promoting water safety among children.
The reopening was met with enthusiasm Tuesday as residents packed the pool for its first day of the season, signaling strong community support for keeping the facility in operation.
For many families, the return of Mike Wood Pool represents more than just a place to swim — it preserves a community tradition that has served generations of Bossier City residents.
