Free Pool In Hudson County Is Like 4 Pools And Parks In One (PHOTOS)

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — As Hoboken debates where to put its community pool and Weehawken opens its new pool complex to others in the state (link to sign up here), the various pools in Union City remain open and free to all Hudson County residents — and they've got variety.

For instance, one Union City pool complex up the hill from Hoboken has an Olympic-size pool, while another park has a toddler pool amid musical instrument sculptures. But there's also a unique water park for kids from age 1 to 12.

A Local Water Park`To Try: Juan Pablo Duarte Park

Families with infants, toddlers, or kids through age 12 may want to try a Union City pool complex that's off the beaten path: The complex at Juan Pablo Duarte Park at 33rd Street, off of Route 495.

With multiple waterslides, a baby pool, spray park, and playground, this water park is actually like four parks in one.

There's a large piece of equipment with two waterslides. There's also a smaller waterslide in a plastic firetruck, and a separate toddler pool/spray park that runs from 6 inches to 1'6". There are also two playgrounds.

Height Requirements And Different Hours

However, there are rules about who can enter the pools (by height), and the pirate ship/slide part of the park doesn't open until lunchtime. (See the breakdown here.)

There aren't many places to sit down or stow bags, but if you're looking for something different for small kids, this may be the free pool complex for you.

The only requirement for entry is that one be a Hudson County resident, and there are capacity requirements.

Interestingly, like with Weehawken's park, Hoboken residents had to fight years ago to gain access to Union City pools too.

• To get the full list of hours and requirements for all of Union City's pools, click here.
• To register for the Weehawken pool complex a week in advance, use the link in this story.