FAQ’s
Is Big Surf! Recreation Swim open?
Yes – Swim session intervals will be for an hour and a half each. Please check Big Surf schedules.
Are Happy Valley residents still able to sign up for NCPRD aquatic programs?
The City of Happy Valley has officially withdrawn from North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District. Happy Valley residents are welcome to sign up for NCPRD aquatic programs, but as of July 1, 2020 are no longer eligible to receive discounted NCPRD resident rates and priority registration. As a result, it may be difficult to register for high-demand programs, such as lap swim time and swim lessons.
What if I need an accommodation?
If you need any accommodations due to medical conditions or disabilities please contact Jason Kemmerich, jasonkem@ncprd.com to make arrangements prior to your reservations.
Will lockers be available?
Yes – Lockers are included with all admissions, with a $5 deposit or photo ID per key. There is a $10 lost locker key fee if you misplace your key. Note, the North Clackamas Aquatic Park is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Will showers be available?
Yes, all locker room showers are available for use with your swim fee.
Can I use coupons and punch cards for my swim session?
Yes – punch cards and cash transactions are accepted again at the front desk for non-reservation opportunities.
What should I bring?
Patrons are encouraged to wear or bring their swimsuit to the Aquatic Park, and bring a personal water bottle. Drinking fountains throughout Aquatic Park and a bottle fill station in the lobby are available for use. Equipment is provided for lap swim or exercise classes, as needed. Additionally, some swim equipment will now be for sale at our front desk.
Can I reserve a lap swim lane to myself?
At this time we are no longer utilizing the on-line registration system. All lap swim is shared drop-in opportunities only.
What is the temperature of the swimming pool(s)?
| Lap Pool/Dive Well | 82° |
| Hot Tub | 101° |
| Wave Pool | 86° |
| Kiddie Pool | 88° |
Can we bring our own floatation devices? Lifejackets?
Sorry, we do not allow outside flotation devices. However, we do allow Coast Guard Approved lifejackets. Thoroughly inspect the jacket’s tags and printed information to see if the jacket is approved, if this is not directly stated the jacket will not be allowed for use in the facility. Luckily, we do have lifejackets free of charge for public use.
What is your dress code? Can I wear a T-shirt?
North Clackamas Aquatic Park is a family environment and we request that you dress appropriately during your visit. Clothing that can be considered vulgar, offensive, or gang related will not be allowed during your visit. If clothing is deemed by management to be inappropriate, you may be asked to leave the park.
Proper swimwear is required on all water slides. Denim, or swimwear with buckles, rivets or zippers are not permitted on the water slides. Light colored T-shirts can be worn in the pool, but must be taken off for your safety when riding the water slides.
Is there an age limit?
Children and adults of any age are welcome at the park. Infants and toddlers must wear a swim diaper in the pools. Disposable diapers are not permitted. Little Swimmers are available at the park for purchase. Children 9 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible supervisor 13 years of age or older in the water.
How old do you have to be to go down the slides? Can we go down together?
Children must be 48 inches tall to ride the slides. Only one rider is allowed down the slide at a time. There is a small slide, Sammie the Seal, available for younger children in the kiddie pool.
Do I have to pay full admission price just to watch my child in the kiddie pool?
Yes, a responsible supervisor 13 years of age or older must be paid for and swimming in the water with all children 9 years or younger. The required child to supervisor ratio is 3 to 1.
Do you have a group rate?
Yes, for groups of 15 or more swimmers the group rate is available. Advanced registration is required. Click the Groups tab for additional information.
Is the facility all indoors?
All of our swimming facilities are indoors. However, we do offer a picnic area, volleyball court and large sundeck that are all located outdoors.
When is lap swim?
We offer over 60 hours a week of lap swimming opportunities! Lap swim hours vary so please click the link to the left titled Aquatic Fitness. Specific time and lane availability is subject to change.
How long is your lap pool?
We have a 25 yard lap pool. A swimmer must swim 72 lengths of the pool to reach 1 mile.
Do you have water aerobics?
Yes, a variety of water aerobic classes are offered 5 days a week at various times throughout those days. Click on the Aquatic Fitness tab for additional information.
How often are the waves on?
The waves are on in the wave pool during Big Surf! swims. Throughout the duration of each Big Surf! swim the waves alternate on for 15 minutes and off for 10 minutes.
What if I lost something at the Aquatic Park?
After each shift our staff cleans the facility to the best of their ability. At that time, all belongings collected are placed in the lost and found. Note, the North Clackamas Aquatic Park is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Found items are held on-site for 30 days.
How do the waves work?
Our wave machine utilizes two large fans to blow air into a concrete bulk head. This air then displaces the water that shares the space and is released into the wave pool in the deep end. Water in motion will then rise up creating waves. Lastly, as the water in motion approaches the end of the pool it curls due to the angle of the floor.
Am I a resident? How do I find out?
You can confirm your residence by clicking on the Are you in District? link below.
What does NCPRD mean? Non-resident?
NCPRD residency is based on a current household’s address. If that household is located within the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District then NCPRD residency is confirmed. This is established at the park with proof of photo I.D. listing the current address.
Are there swimming lessons for adults?
Yes, we do offer swimming lessons for adults (Teen Wave/Take the Plunge). If interested click the tab to the left for additional information.
Does North Clackamas Aquatic Park provide towels?
Unfortunately, the North Clackamas Aquatic Park is unable to provide towels. Please bring your own towels for your swim.