WALDORF, Md. — Charles County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism has expanded public access to aquatic fitness by introducing weekday morning lap swimming at the Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center. The new offering aims to provide more flexible options for residents seeking early exercise hours at indoor pool facilities.
Lap swimming is now available Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 a.m. Due to the overlap with school hours and the facility’s location inside St. Charles High School, all patrons must present and scan a photo ID to participate, in accordance with Charles County Public Schools’ visitor management policy.
County recreation officials said the added hours respond to ongoing community interest in expanded access to indoor aquatic facilities. While additional morning swim options may be considered in the future, officials said they are welcoming lap swimmers to the current early-morning offering.
The expansion follows broader countywide discussions about public access to school-based pools, including the future of the indoor pool at La Plata High School, where residents have previously urged county and school officials to preserve and expand public swim availability, particularly during early-morning hours.
Daily Admission Rates:
- Ages 2 and younger: Free
- Ages 3–12: $5
- Ages 13–59: $6
- Ages 60 and older: $5
Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult age 16 or older. Groups of eight or more are required to make reservations with a pool manager at least two weeks in advance.
Punch cards valid for 10 visits are available for $40 and may be used at all county indoor pool locations. Cards expire six months from the date of purchase and are valid for one person only. Only U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation devices are permitted at Charles County Recreation, Parks and Tourism aquatic facilities.
Residents can view pool calendars, hours, and availability for the at https://www.charlescountyparks.com/recreation/aquatics.
Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center | Lackey Indoor Pool | North Point Indoor Pool
Indoor Pool Locations:
- Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center: 5303 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, MD 20602
- Lackey Indoor Pool: 3000 Chicamuxen Road, Indian Head, MD 20640
- North Point Indoor Pool: 2500 Davis Road, Waldorf, MD 20603
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Wait doggone minute. You have to present and have scanned a photo ID just to go swimming? But a photo ID isn’t required to vote for those that make our laws and operate the government? Insane.