Email from County of Albemarle

General County News

Friday, May 22, 2026

2026 Summer Swim Season Starts Saturday, May 23

jumping water in at swimming lake on a sunny day

We're splashing into summer, rain, or shine! 🏊‍♂️☀️ Our summer swim season will be starting soon. Albemarle County’s swimming beaches at Chris Greene Lake Park and Walnut Creek Park will be open for the summer swim season over Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25. Swimming will be available from 10 am to 6 pm each day, including Memorial Day (Monday, May 25). The lakes will also be open the following weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 30–May 31, with the same hours.

As a reminder, Mint Springs Valley Park is currently closed for swimming due to algae bloom, until further notice. Hiking trails, fishing, and boating are still permitted. Chris Greene Lake Park and Walnut Creek Park are not affected. Visit our website to learn more about this closure.

Beginning June 1, the lakes will be open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm, during summer operating hours through August 9. After August 9, we will transition back to weekends only at Chris Greene Lake until Labor Day, September 7.

Now Accepting Credit Cards as a Payment Method

We’re excited to announce that we now accept credit card payments in addition to cash and checks! Making payments will be easier and more convenient than ever.

Fees for Albemarle County residents are $3 for adults, $2 for children (ages 4-12), and free for swimmers under 4 and over 62. Fees for non-Albemarle County residents are $5 for adults, $3 for children (ages 4-12), and free for swimmers under 4.

😎⛱️☀️Did you know we also have season passes for Summer Swim? Grab your season pass while they last to kick off summer swim season! Passes are available for purchase in person at the lake entrance booth upon arrival.

We also have kayak, canoe 🛶, and 🏄🏽‍♀️ paddleboard rentals at Chris Greene Lake (and rentals will be available at Walnut Creek Park once it's opened for swimming) for *$15 per hour. *Please remember, rental fees are still cash only, and we cannot accept bills larger than $20. Learn more about this and other Summer Swim details for this season!

The 2026 Summer Swim Survey Will be Available May 23

Take the Summer Swim Survey 2026 at albemarle.org/parks

Your input helps us create the best possible experience for everyone in our community Summer Swim Survey will be available May 23 — earlier than ever — and will remain open throughout the swim season!

Whether you're a regular at the swimming lakes or just stopping by for a few sunny afternoons, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Look out for the Summer Swim Survey flyers, which will be posted and available at the swimming beaches all summer long! Please take a few minutes to share your feedback—it'll be quick, easy, and make a big difference!

👉 Take the Survey Here Anytime Starting May 23

We appreciate you for visiting our parks, and YOU make our swim season (and community) so special! Thanks in advance for taking the time to provide your feedback.

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