Dodge City in Ford County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Dodge City Swimming Pool History
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022
1. Dodge City Swimming Pool History Marker
As early as 1916, municipal swimming pools have been a source of entertainment for Dodge City residents. The Hayes Swimming Pool (some referred to it as the Crystal Swimming Pool) was located in the 600 block of West Chestnut St. (now known as Wyatt Earp Blvd. where Montana Mikes is located). The pool was 75-100 ft. long and 25-30 ft. wide, built into a side of a hill.
The Wright Park pool was dedicated on July 1, 1924. The large size pool was 280 ft. by 140 ft. The State Board of Health made an edict that the city must replace or repair the old pool by June 1960. Voters defeated a proposal to issue $230,000 in bonds for a new swimming pool. Repairs were then made that lasted until April 1975 when it was torn down.
On November 7, 1978, a majority of the electors voted to support the building of a new swimming pool. The construction of the pool was completed in 1980 on 1st Ave. across from the Civic Center in the amount of $1.9 million. The pool was permanently closed at the end of the swim season in 2015.
Following efforts to develop a new aquatic facility beginning in 2000, and again in 2005, the City of Dodge City passed
this page online
[top right photo caption] Dodge City Municipal Swimming Pool, 1950s photo by Hetzel Studio, Dodge City (Courtesy of the Kansas heritage Center)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 37° 45.02′ N, 100° 1.314′ W. Marker is in Dodge City, Kansas, in Ford County. It is on 4th Avenue 0.2 miles south of West Wyatt Earp Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. The marker overlooks the east side of the Long Branch Lagoon parking lot. Touch for map.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022
2. Dodge City Swimming Pool History Marker
Looking west from 4th Avenue. The marker overlooks the east side of the Long Branch Lagoon parking lot.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, on the Great Plains, on the Southern Plains, on the High Plains, and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comancherνa, the Dust Bowl, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: George M. Hoover (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Liberty Garden (about 400 feet away); Robert M. Wright (about 600 feet away); Santa Fe Trail (about 600 feet away); Boot Hill Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rosemary & Lewis Mock (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Boot Hill Special (approx. 0.2 miles away); High Plains Journal (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dodge City.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2022
3. Long Branch Lagoon
View from adjacent hotel.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
