Honestly, if you grew up in Columbia City, Indiana, you probably remember the old Burnworth pool. It was a local staple for about 60 years. But by the time it hit that six-decade mark, it was, well, showing its age. In 2017, the city finally decided to tear the whole thing down. They replaced it with something way more modern: the Russel and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center.
It officially opened in July 2018. Since then, it has basically become the place to be once the Indiana humidity starts kicking in. It's not just a "town pool." It’s more like a mini water park that actually feels like it belongs in 2026.
What’s Actually Inside the Fahl Aquatics Center?
A lot of people think it’s just a lap pool. It isn't. The whole facility covers over 9,500 square feet of water alone. The design-build project, handled by Michael Kinder and Sons, turned a tired old space into a complex with four different buildings and a massive concrete deck.
If you’re heading there with kids, you’ve got options. There are two large slides for the brave ones and two smaller slides for the toddlers who aren't quite ready for the big drop. There is also a splash pad, which is great because it keeps the younger ones busy without you having to worry about them wandering into the deep end.
For the more adventurous, there is a lily pad walk. It looks easy until you actually try to cross it. Then there’s the vortex, which is basically a circular current that pulls you around. It’s simple, but kids will literally stay in that thing for three hours straight if you let them.
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Quick Stats on the Facility:
- Location: 452 N Whitley St, Columbia City, IN.
- Capacity: The facility can technically hold around 700 people, though "bather load" (the number of people actually in the water) is capped lower, usually around 392 for safety.
- Laps: Six-lane lap pool for the serious swimmers.
- Diving: Yes, there are diving boards.
The Seasonal Switch: From Swimming to Skating
One of the coolest things about the Russel and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center is that it doesn't just die when the leaves change. Around early December, the space transforms. The city sets up the Eagle Ice Rink right there.
It’s an outdoor synthetic rink. It’s not "real" ice in the traditional sense, but it works surprisingly well for a community setup. It usually stays open through the final weekend of February. So, you go from wearing a swimsuit in July to lacing up skates in January at the exact same GPS coordinates.
Pricing and Getting In
Let’s talk money. It’s pretty affordable, which is probably why it gets so crowded on Saturdays.
Daily admission is usually $7 per person for anyone age 3 and up. If you have a tiny human under 2, they get in free.
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If you live in Whitley County or just plan on going every day to survive the heat, memberships are the way to go. They have a bit of a tiered system:
- Single Child/Senior: $100
- Single Adult: $125
- Family of 3: $275 (and it goes up by about $50 for every additional family member).
One thing to keep in mind: they don't allow outside food. They have a concession stand on-site for the standard pool snacks—hot dogs, nachos, that sort of thing. Also, if you want to ride the big slides, you have to be at least 4 feet tall. They are pretty strict about measuring at the gate.
Why it Matters for Columbia City
People often underestimate how much a facility like the Russel and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center impacts local "quality of life." Before this, if you wanted a "water park" experience, you had to drive into Fort Wayne or even further.
Now, Columbia City has its own hub. It’s a huge draw for northeast Indiana. On a hot Tuesday in July, you’ll see the parking lot at 452 N Whitley St packed with plates from all over the region. It’s a point of pride for a town that is clearly trying to modernize while keeping that small-town feel.
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Programs and Lessons
They do more than just open the gates and let people splash around. The Parks and Recreation department runs a pretty tight ship with swim lessons. They typically target kids aged 3 to 8. They also have a swim team (the Splash) for the kids who want to get competitive.
If you’re looking to host a party, you can rent the pavilion. It’s about $300 for a three-hour block, but that actually includes 20 admissions. When you do the math, it’s a solid deal for a birthday party.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit:
- Check Capacity: On holiday weekends, call the office (260-248-5182) before you drive over. If they hit capacity, it’s one-in, one-out.
- Bring the Basics: You can buy swim diapers ($2) and goggles ($5) at their supply shop if you forget yours.
- Parking: It’s free, but the lot fills up fast. If you’re going for a weekend session, get there 15 minutes before the 12:00 PM opening.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip, here is what you should do:
- Check the Weather: The pool will close for lightning or if the temperature drops too low.
- Book Early: If you want that pavilion for a July birthday, you better call the Park Office in March or April.
- Follow Social Media: The Columbia City Parks and Recreation Facebook page is the only place that gives real-time updates on pool closures or "Wristband Specials."
- Measure Your Kids: Save the heartbreak at the gate—check their height at home so they know if they can hit the big slides or not.
The Fahl Aquatics Center isn't just a place to cool off. It’s a community anchor that turned a 60-year-old memory into a modern destination. Whether you're there for the slides in the summer or the ice rink in the winter, it's worth the trip.