7 Secrets Of The Art Downey Aquatic Center Edina: The Legendary Pool You Might Be Confusing With The Water Park
The Art Downey Aquatic Center (ADAC) in Edina, Minnesota, is a cornerstone of competitive swimming and community aquatics, a fact that surprises many who mistake it for the city's popular summer water park. As of December 24, 2025, the ADAC remains a vital, year-round indoor facility, primarily serving the Edina School District and the wider community through Edina Community Education programs. This state-of-the-art pool is a tribute to a coaching legend, offering far more than just a place to swim—it’s a hub for competitive excellence, fitness, and aquatic learning.
Located within South View Middle School, the Art Downey Aquatic Center represents the heart of Edina's winter aquatics scene, hosting everything from high school meets to Masters Swimming practices. Understanding its function and history—especially its namesake and its clear distinction from the seasonal Edina Aquatic Center—is key to unlocking the full range of programs and access opportunities available to residents and visitors alike.
The Immortal Legacy of Coach Art Downey: A Brief Biography
The name Art Downey is synonymous with swimming excellence and dedication in Edina, MN. The aquatic center is not named after a donor or a politician, but after a man who literally built the Edina High School swimming program from the ground up. This deep connection to the community and its athletic history is what gives the Art Downey Aquatic Center its unique topical authority.
- Full Name: Arthur "Art" Downey
- Role: Founder and Head Coach of Edina High School Boys Swimming and Diving
- Career Span: 62 years (Founded the program in 1956 and retired in 2018)
- Key Achievements: Downey's teams amassed a staggering record, including 19 Conference Championships and 14 Section Crowns. His program produced 10 team championships and 55 individual state titles.
- Coaching Philosophy: Known for molding boys into successful men, his focus extended beyond the pool, emphasizing life skills and gentility.
- Retirement: He officially retired in 2018, leaving behind a legacy recognized as one of the most enduring and successful in Minnesota high school sports history.
- The Naming: The indoor pool at South View Middle School (formerly Southview Elementary School) was named the Art Downey Aquatic Center in his honor, cementing his place as the dean of Hornets sports.
Coach Downey's influence spans three generations of Edina swimmers, making the center a living memorial to his decades of tireless work and dedication.
The Crucial Distinction: Art Downey Aquatic Center vs. Edina Aquatic Center
This is the most common point of confusion for anyone searching for Edina aquatics. It is essential to understand that the city of Edina has two major aquatic facilities, each serving a completely different purpose.
The Art Downey Aquatic Center (ADAC) – The Competitive Indoor Hub
The ADAC is a state-of-the-art, year-round indoor facility designed primarily for competitive swimming, training, and structured community programs.
- Location: Inside South View Middle School (4725 South View Lane, Edina, MN 55424).
- Function: Host for Edina School District teams (Boys and Girls Swim and Dive, Synchronized Swimming), Edina Swim Club, and Masters Swimming.
- Pool Specifications: It features an 8-lane pool measuring 80'x60', with a depth ranging from 3 feet at the shallow end to 9 feet at the deep end. It also includes a dedicated 13-foot deep diving well.
- Key Use: Lap swimming, water aerobics, competitive training, and swimming lessons.
The Edina Aquatic Center (EAC) – The Summer Recreational Park
The EAC is the well-known outdoor water park, a seasonal attraction open only during the summer months.
- Location: 4300 W. 66th Street, Edina, MN 55435.
- Function: Family recreation and leisure.
- Key Attractions: An Olympic-sized pool, large water slides, a zip line, diving boards, and a special zero-depth water play area for small children.
- Seasonality: Typically open from early June to late August.
If you are looking for year-round lap swimming, competitive training, or the Edina Swim Club, you need the Art Downey Aquatic Center. If you are looking for a summer day of fun with slides and a zip line, you need the Edina Aquatic Center.
7 Ways to Access the Art Downey Aquatic Center and Its Programs
The ADAC is not just for the Edina Hornets high school teams. It is a true community resource managed by Edina Community Education, offering a wide array of programs for all ages and skill levels. Access is primarily gained through these organized programs, with specific times set aside for public use.
1. Edina Community Education Aquatics (The Primary Gateway)
Edina Community Education (Edina Community Ed) manages the facility's public hours and programs outside of school use. This includes a robust schedule of water-based fitness and recreational classes.
2. Open and Lap Swim Times
The center offers dedicated times for public open swim and lap swim. These times are typically scheduled during non-school hours, making the pool accessible to the public in the evenings and on weekends during the school year. General hours for non-school activities are usually Monday–Friday: 6:00 pm–10:00 pm and Saturdays 7:30 am–4:00 pm. It is highly recommended to check the Edina Community Ed pool schedule for the most current times, as they fluctuate based on high school and club events.
3. Competitive Swim Training (Edina Swim Club)
The Edina Swim Club utilizes the ADAC for its year-round competitive training programs. The club caters to youth swimmers, continuing the tradition of excellence established by Coach Downey. The club is a key entity that keeps the pool operating at a high level of performance.
4. Masters Swimming
Adult swimmers (age 19 and over) can join the Edina Masters Swimming program, which holds practice sessions several times a week at the South View Middle School pool. This is a popular way for fitness swimmers and former competitors to stay active year-round.
5. Swimming Lessons
A full curriculum of swimming lessons is offered for various ages and abilities, often through the Edina Community Ed program. These lessons are crucial for water safety and skill development in the community.
6. Water Aerobics and Fitness Classes
For those seeking a low-impact workout, the ADAC hosts water aerobics and other water-based fitness classes. These programs are a great option for adults and seniors looking for joint-friendly exercise.
7. Hosting Swim Meets
The center frequently hosts regional and state-level swim meets, including events for the Edina Synchro team and other area clubs. These events showcase the pool's competitive capabilities and attract top talent, often resulting in brand new personal best times for participants.
Planning Your Visit: Location, Access, and Pricing
The Art Downey Aquatic Center is a competitive facility, meaning its schedule is tightly managed to accommodate school teams, club practices, and community programs. Therefore, planning your visit is essential.
Location and Contact
The ADAC is situated at 4725 South View Lane, Edina, MN 55424, on the campus of South View Middle School. Access for public programs is typically through a designated Community Education entrance. It is highly advisable to call the Edina Community Education office for specific directions and to confirm the schedule before arrival.
Admission and Pricing
Pricing for the Art Downey Aquatic Center varies significantly based on the program.
- Drop-in Fees: A daily drop-in fee is typically charged for open swim and lap swim sessions, though this price is subject to change.
- Program Fees: Swimming lessons, water aerobics, and Masters Swimming require registration and payment for a full session (e.g., a multi-week class).
- Passes: Multi-visit passes or seasonal memberships may be available through Edina Community Education for frequent users, offering a more cost-effective option than daily admission.
To ensure you have the most up-to-date information on admission prices and to reserve a lap lane (which is often required), check the official Edina Community Education website or call their aquatics department directly. This ensures a smooth and efficient visit to one of the Minneapolis area's premier indoor aquatic facilities.
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