Longmontap Union Reservoir swim beach will not reopen for traditional swimming this summer because water levels remain too low, but city officials say visitors will still be able to cool off in a shallow wading area. Sunset Pool, meanwhile, is expected to open in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Sara Taylor, the city’s recreation area supervisor, said Sunset Pool is scheduled to open Thursday, weather permitting, and that city staff expect conditions to improve heading into the holiday weekend.
“We’re going to keep our website up to date, but it looks like weather is going to be awesome for Saturday, Sunday and Monday,” Taylor said.
The city previously announced in a news release the Union Reservoir swim beach would remain closed for the 2026 season because shallow water conditions do not allow for safe swimming. However, Taylor clarified that the beach itself will still be open to visitors.
“The beach is, quote unquote, closed, because the water is not deep enough to swim, but the beach is still available for use,” Taylor said.
According to Taylor, the city plans to rope off a designated wading zone where visitors can enter the water and cool down, though the water will remain shallow enough for people to touch the bottom at all times. The marked-off area will be no deeper than about 3 feet.
Taylor said the wading area will operate at visitors’ own risk, meaning lifeguards will not monitor the public swim area. Lifeguards will still be present for scheduled camps and group activities at the reservoir.
“Itap still going to be at the same location. We’re still going to have the beach sand. Itap just really shallow,” Taylor said.
The city will monitor the water levels and announce if anything changes. Union Reservoir will remain open for other activities, including boating, paddleboarding, fishing, picnicking and dog beach access. Rocky Mountain Paddleboard rentals are still scheduled to begin May 23, according to the city.
