Here’s Why Public Pools Don’t Deserve The Bad Rap They Often Get

As we head into August, it’s pretty obvious that the hot weather isn’t going anywhere anytime soon for most of us. And when the mercury is rising, few feelings are as refreshing as a splash in the pool.

But if you don’t have one in your backyard, your options might be limited. That’s why you might want to give your public pools a chance.

An unfair reputation

For generations, public pools have been disparaged as crowded and unsanitary destinations of last resort for anyone looking to take a dip.

But a closer look reveals that these assumptions generally do not reflect reality. In fact, public pools can provide great opportunities for people throughout a community — in addition to simply offering a place to swim.

Unfortunately, there’s not equal access to high-quality public pools across the U.S., with historically disadvantaged communities left with far fewer options than the general population.

As new evidence emerges regarding how beneficial these spaces can be, there’s a renewed interest in providing the funding necessary to expand into underserved neighborhoods.

Untapped potential

If you haven’t spent much time at a public pool, you’re probably missing out on some pretty compelling rewards.

In addition to offering a break from the summer heat, public pools can:

• Give kids a free and generally safe place to spend time
• Offer the physical and cognitive benefits associated with exercise
• Provide a place to master the skill of swimming
• Present young people with an opportunity for their first job
• Fuel community connections as a vibrant gathering place

But with just over 300,000 public pools nationwide, there’s still room for growth. If you want to find one near you, check with your local Parks and Recreation department or ask some of your friends and neighbors if there’s a location they recommend.

Chris Agee July 29th, 2024

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