MICANOPY – With summer around the corner, Alachua County is opening the gates to one of its most popular seasonal amenities, giving families a chance to cool off, learn to swim and spend time outdoors at the Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center.
Seasonal pool memberships and swim lesson registrations are now available, county officials announced, as the center prepares to welcome the public for the 2026 summer season. The pool is scheduled to open Saturday, May 23, and will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Sept. 7.
Located just outside Micanopy, the wooded retreat offers a mix of recreation and nature-focused programming, with the pool serving as a centerpiece for summer activity.
Alachua County residents can purchase a full-season pool membership for $25, providing access throughout the summer. For those planning occasional visits, day passes are available for $5 per person. Officials recommend purchasing passes in advance online, noting that users must create an account before completing a purchase.
Swim lessons, a staple of the center’s summer offerings, are set to begin June 7 and are open to children ages 3 to 10. The program is structured to accommodate different age groups, with weekday evening sessions alternating between children ages 3 to 5 and those ages 6 to 10. Additional classes will be offered on Sunday mornings, with more sessions expected to be added as demand grows.
Lesson packages include four weekend sessions for $50 per participant or six weekday sessions for $75. The program also accepts swim vouchers from the Florida Department of Health, expanding access for families seeking water safety instruction.
Beyond the pool, Cuscowilla continues to offer its summer day camp program, which incorporates daily swim time along with outdoor activities. Limited spaces remain available, and parents can reserve a spot with a $25 deposit.
County officials say the combination of affordable pricing and flexible programming is designed to make summer recreation accessible while encouraging children to build confidence in and around the water.
Residents can purchase memberships, register for swim lessons or learn more about camp offerings through the county’s website. For additional information, Cuscowilla Manager Jamie Bass can be reached at 352-574-2372 or by email at jbass@alachuacounty.us.
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