Expand Access to Pools and Aquatic Recreation

Swimming is not a luxury. It is a critical life skill, an important recreational outlet for families, and a key component of public health and water safety. Yet too many Baltimore County residents lack affordable access to pools and aquatic facilities.

Launch a Countywide Swim Pass

We will create a Baltimore County Swims Pass that gives residents affordable access to participating aquatic facilities throughout the County. The program will be administered through the Department of Recreation and Parks and designed to be accessible, convenient, and cost-effective for families.

Build Public-Private Partnerships

Redefine and Expand Our Partnership with the Y

The YMCA of Central Maryland is one of Baltimore County’s most important community partners, providing recreation, childcare, wellness programs, and community services to thousands of families. We should build on that success.

As County Executive, Nick will work to renegotiate and strengthen the County’s partnership with the Y to expand affordable access to swimming pools and recreational facilities. Because this partnership relies on public assets and serves a public purpose, residents should receive greater access and value in return.

We will explore a County Swim Pass accepted at participating YMCA facilities and expand collaboration around youth sports, fitness, senior programming, and community recreation. Our goal is simple: ensure every family in Baltimore County has affordable access to high-quality recreational opportunities.

Following implementation with the Y, we will pursue additional partnerships with organizations such as the Jewish Community Center and private swim clubs to further expand access across the County.

Prioritize Equity and Access

Our goal is to ensure that residents in every region of the County have reasonable access to aquatic facilities regardless of income or zip code. We will focus on expanding opportunities in underserved communities while making participation affordable for working families.

Deliver Results by Summer 2027

We will work aggressively to establish the Swim Pass program, secure partnership agreements, and have the initiative fully operational by Memorial Day 2027 so residents can begin benefiting from expanded access during the summer season.