By Rich Larson
Northfield residents have an easier way to cool off this summer, thanks to a partnership offering free transportation to the public swimming pool at Memorial Park.
Three Rivers Community Action and Hiawathaland Transit have teamed up with the City of Northfield to provide no-cost rides to and from the pool throughout the 2026 season. The service runs every weekday until August 15th, with the exception of July 3rd for observation of Independence Day.
The program is open to all residents, and no pre-registration is required. Riders simply need to be at one of the designated stops before the scheduled pickup time. Officials emphasized that buses will depart promptly and cannot wait for late arrivals.
Four pickup locations have been established across the city to improve accessibility. Riders can catch the bus at Wellstone Commons Apartments at 1:15pm, the Ensley Apartments bus shelter at 1:20pm, the Rosevelt-Woodridge apartment parking lot at 1:35pm, and the Spring Creek Soccer Fields parking lot at 1:42pm.
After several hours at the pool, the bus departs promptly at 5pm, returning passengers to their original pickup points with staggered drop-off times.
City and transit officials say the initiative is designed to remove transportation barriers and encourage families, youth, and individuals to take advantage of the city’s public pool during the summer months. The effort also comes as a welcome resource during periods of high heat like this coming weekend, when access to cooling options can be especially important.
Participants are reminded to review pool rules before attending and to plan ahead for timely arrival at their stops. Those with additional transportation needs can contact Three Rivers Community Action for assistance.
Community leaders hope the program will provide a safe, convenient, and accessible way for residents to stay active and cool all summer long.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
