Holding Park Aquatic Center

Holding Park Aquatic Center, known around town as HPAC, is the Town of Wake Forest’s outdoor public pool, run by the parks, recreation and cultural resources department. It sits inside Holding Park on West Owen Avenue, a short walk from the historic downtown.

There is a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool for swimming lengths, plus recreational water for families and younger children. The 2026 season opened on May 23 and runs through Labor Day. Swim programs and open swim sessions are both scheduled through the summer months.

What to know

• Sessions must be registered and paid for online in advance.
• Walk-ins are allowed when there is space left in a session.
• Pre-registration opens two weeks ahead and closes once a session fills.
• Admission is card only, since cash is not accepted for entry.
• Open swim is scheduled in three-hour blocks with a half hour between them.