We’ve already had our first day above 90 degrees, and there’s plenty more scorchers to come soon. And we all know a day in the water is a good way to beat the heat. Since Clapp Park closed for repairs in 2024, the only other option available through the City of Lubbock has been splash pads. But when will they open?

While the City of Lubbock hasn’t officially announced 2026 splash pad opening dates yet, we can make a very solid prediction based on last year’s schedule.

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Expected 2026 Opening Date

In 2025, Lubbock’s splash pads opened on May 16, with limited hours at first before moving into a full summer schedule.

If the city follows a similar pattern (which it usually does), you can expect:

Opening window: Mid-May 2026 (likely around May 15–17)Early schedule: Limited weekday hours while school is still in sessionFull summer hours: Starting around Memorial Day weekend

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Where Are Lubbock’s Splash Pads?

Lubbock has three main splash pads, all free to use:

Mae Simmons Park -1301 E 24th St.Maxey Park –  4020 30th StRodgers Park – 3200 Bates St

These are operated by the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department and typically run daily once summer hours begin.

Typical Hours

Once fully open for the season, most splash pads follow a schedule similar to:

Late morning through evening (around 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)Slight variations depending on location and maintenance

Some locations may open later on certain weekdays for cleaning.

What Could Change?

A few things can impact the exact 2026 opening date:

Weather (especially late cold snaps)Maintenance or repairsCity staffing levelsWhat About Clapp Pool?

Because there has been no announcement that I could find about Clapp Pool opening this year, I think it’s safe to assume that it won’t. However, I would love to be proven wrong in that assumption. Clapp is in need of extensive, expensive repairs, and it appears the city is choosing instead to focus on splash pads.

Lubbock’s Most Extreme Weather Records

A look at the most extreme weather records Lubbock has set.

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven