Madison Reporter

The Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Pool will open for the 2024 season on Friday, June 7. Thanks to the generosity of Goodman's Jewelers, the first 500 children will receive free admission starting at noon. John and Catherine Hayes, owners of Goodman’s Jewelers, continue this annual tradition in honor of Irwin and Robert Goodman.

“I am proud to be able to open the pool in honor of Bob and Irwin every year. My wife and I, as well as my staff, all believe in giving back. It gives us great pleasure to be able to carry on the Goodman’s legacy,” said John Hayes.

The pool is named after long-time community members and philanthropists Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman, who donated $2.8 million to initiate the project. This donation spurred further fundraising efforts by the City and Madison Parks Foundation, leading to the pool's opening in 2006.

Located at 325 W. Olin Ave., Goodman Pool aims to be accessible to everyone regardless of financial circumstances. The Madison Parks Foundation provides admissions fee assistance through scholarships awarded to hundreds of children each season. Families with youth aged 18 years or younger meeting specific guidelines may apply online.

Recreation open swim is offered daily, weather permitting, with limited or reduced access dates due to Goodman Waves Swim & Dive Team meets. Season passes are available for purchase online or directly from the pool’s ticket window once it opens for the season. Since 2022, aquatics programs for all ages have been offered by Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR).

Pool patrons are encouraged to review the Rules & Expectations before visiting, which includes an updated Pool Behavior Policy approved by the Board of Park Commissioners earlier this year.

Tot Swim is available Friday through Sunday mornings starting Saturday, June 8, providing a quieter time for parents or guardians with children aged 10 years or younger to enjoy designated areas of the pool.

Expanded Lap Swim hours include Monday through Friday starting at 6 a.m., Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8 a.m., and evening hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Lap Swim also begins for the season on Saturday, June 8, weather permitting.

For more information throughout the season, visit GoodmanPool.com.

Goodman's Jewelers is Madison's oldest full-service jewelry store, established in 1933 by Bob and Irwin Goodman. In 1998 long-time employee John Hayes purchased Goodman's Jewelers from the brothers; for over 90 years, it has remained at its original location on historic State Street near Wisconsin State Capitol.

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