DNREC Debuts New Larger Pool at Killens Pond Waterpark

Image courtesy DNREC

The new main pool at the Killens Park Waterpark in Felton opens Saturday, May 23! The new pool is larger and has more features for visitors. There is better visibility for lifeguards – and the pool has more efficient filtration. Swimmers will find two spray features and a series of lily pads and is open to all ages. There’s a zero-entry for easy walk in – improved accessibility and a maximum depth of 5-feet. The Tot area for young kids is still available and for older kids and adults – two sped slides and two spiral slides. The pool is 48% larger and includes two new water features – a Tall Pine Bucket Shower and a pipe spray.

Additional information from DNREC:

Killens Pond Waterpark will debut for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23 and operate through Labor Day, Sept. 7. Fees for the waterpark will remain the same as the 2025 season, but children under 1 year old will now be free.

The waterpark will be open weekends only from Memorial Day to mid-June and seven days a week until mid-August. Two sessions are offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Coupon books and group rates are available. For details, visit the destateparks.com/waterpark webpage.

The new pool and pumps were built by Keller Brother at a cost of about $4.8 million. The total project cost is about $5.5 million and was funded by the state bond bill. The waterpark also includes a food concession. There are two theme nights planned for July 10 and Aug. 10 as well as the popular “Puppies in the Pool” on Sept. 7.

“We are thrilled to offer this expanded water feature at the Killens Pond Waterpark this year,” said Matt Ritter, director of DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation. “We are always looking for new and better ways to serve our visitors and communities so they can enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. We want to create those special memories for families that last a lifetime.”

Killens Pond State Park, located in Felton, is a 1,488 acre park that offers a wide variety of amenities and programs, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, a nature center, birdwatching, sports fields, pavilions and playgrounds and much more. For more information, visit the Killens Pond State Park webpage.

Plan a staycation and enjoy camping, boating, picnic areas and pavilions to round out a visit or plan a weekend full of fun for the family.