Kingsbury Park

Kingsbury Park and Pool Facilities are located on Auglaize Street. The park consists of 15.49 acres including two (2) ball fields, six (6) shelter houses, three (3) tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground area, and horseshoe pit. Kingsbury Park sits along the Auglaize river across from the Fort Grounds.

Did You Know?
The construction of Kingsbury Park started in 1923 as a project conducted by the East Defiance Men's Boosters Club. Much of the land was donated. Clara Latty gave a portion of the land on the condition that the park be named after the late B. Kingsbury, Defiance lawyer, and that the park continue to be used for park purposes and the welfare of the people in general.

In 1924, the baseball diamond was laid out and, until the pool was completed in 1929, swimmers used a roped-off chute and dock to swim in the Auglaize River. Roger Daoust was the contractor in charge of building the 120x60 pool and did so for cost along with the donated time, money, and labor of numerous volunteers. Also in 1929, approximately $1000 worth of playground equipment was purchased. Courtesy of the Defiance Public Library, Bronson Collection

Kingsbury Pool

The $750,000 Kingsbury Pool Project began during the summer of 1999. The general contracting firm of Finnegan Construction Co., started installing the slide in February and pouring 175 cubic feet of concrete for the pool's deck. The new pool will not be as deep as the old pool; 5 ft. is the maximum depth.

The pool's renovation costs are being paid with capital improvement funds derived from the City's 0.3% capital improvement tax. A small amount is being paid from the general fund.

Pool Hours

Toddler Tuesday and Thursday:
Pools are open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for the baby pools only for parents with children 5 and under.

Pool Costs
Effective Spring 2006, daily admission is $3.00 per person (adult or child). Wading pool is free; No diapers allowed in pool (swimmies must be worn). This pool is available for children under five (5) years of age only (the children must be under adult supervision).

Season Passes
Individual and Family passes are available only at the Parks & Recreation Office, 631 Perry Street. Individual passes are sold for $60.00. Family passes (of up to 4 persons of an immediate family) costs $120.00. Additional family members may be added to the pass for a cost of $10.00 per person.

Then
- Courtesy of the Defiance Public Library

Now

Pool Rules

1. You must be 48" or taller to go down the slide.
2. No one is allowed to swim or be in the pool at any time unless a lifeguard or certified instructor is on duty.
3. Proper swimming attire must be worn in the pool - on cut-offs or t-shirts without lifeguard approval.
4. Everyone must shower before swimming.
5. No flotation devices or other objects deemed unsafe by lifeguards allowed in the pool during public swimming.
6. Upon request of a lifeguard, you must swim the pool width four (4) times before swimming in deep water.
7. No one allowed on guard chairs, except guards on duty.
8. Clear pool during storms as advised by lifeguards.
9. Swimmers must obey all lifeguards at all times.
10. You may be benched or sent home from the pool if any rule is violated. Continued violations will result in losing swimming privileges.
11. During breaks, swimmers are not allowed near the pool. Adults only may swim during the time period in a designated area of the pool unless the head lifeguard makes the decision that it is unsafe.
12. Children under the age of six (6) are permitted in the main pool only when accompanied by a parent or guardian, or otherwise granted permission by management.
13. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult to swim in the big pool.
14. Bounce once and dive straight out from the springboard.
15. No jumping off the ladders.
16. Only one (1) person is allowed on the boards at a given time.
17. No trains off the board.
18. Diving blocks are not to be used during public swim times.
19. Loud, vulgar language will not be tolerated.
20. No fighting! No running! No pushing! No dunking!
21. No smoking in pool, bathhouse or adjacent deck area.
22. No glass containers will be allowed on the pool premises.
23. No loitering in the bathhouse.
24. No alcoholic beverages allowed in the parking lot, bathhouse or pool.
25. No food or gum in the pool, bathhouse or adjacent deck area.
26. No refunds. Coupons good for one (1) free admission may be issued when management closes the pool early. (Coupons are normally only issued when the pool closes after less than one (1) hour of operation).

For further information, please call the Park's Office at (419) 784-2745.