The Disappearance of Public Pools in America: A Loss of Access, History, and Health
Growing up in the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky, Gerome Sutton eagerly anticipated the weekends when he could indulge in the joy of swimming at Algonquin Park pool. For the young Sutton, it was akin to experiencing Christmas in the summer—an exhilarating time that he cherished. The year was 1955, and Louisville’s public parks had just been desegregated, including the newly constructed Algonquin outdoor swimming pool on the West Side of the city. Sutton fondly remembers the 35-cent entry fee, but due to financial constraints, he and his seven siblings had to take turns going swimming on alternating weekends.
The desegregation of public parks and the availability of public pools played a pivotal role in American culture during the last century. However, with the advent of climate change and increasing extreme heat events, public pools have taken on an urgent public health importance. The detrimental effects of heat are responsible for more American deaths than any other weather-related disaster, as reported by the National Weather Service. Yet, paradoxically, just as the significance of public pools has amplified, they have started to disappear from the urban landscape.
For those without personal pools in their backyards, who cannot afford exclusive country clubs, or lack access to local YMCA facilities, finding public pools has become increasingly challenging. The legacy of segregation, privatization of recreational spaces, and dwindling public recreation budgets have all contributed to the decline of publicly accessible swimming areas in many cities across America.
Louisville’s public pool scenario serves as a poignant example. In the early 2000s, the city boasted ten public pools for its population of approximately 550,000 residents. However, today, with a larger population of around 640,000, Louisville struggles to maintain just five public pools. According to the Trust for Public Land, an advocacy organization for public parks and land, the city currently ranks 89th among the largest 100 cities in terms of swimming pools per person. Algonquin, situated in West Louisville, remains the sole public pool in that area, but its upkeep and improvements have been sorely neglected over the years.
As temperatures soar into the 90s during the hot Louisville summer, residents, mostly belonging to Black and middle-or-lower income households, find themselves without convenient access to water, especially with the closure of Algonquin for repairs. Consequently, nearly 60,000 individuals are deprived of the opportunity to learn how to swim, enjoy the water, and build essential life-saving skills. Children and teenagers lack a central place to gather and engage in playful activities during the school-free summer months, while seniors miss out on Aqua Zumba fitness classes—an essential aspect of their health routine—held at Algonquin during summers.
Beyond mere recreation, swimming represents an integral aspect of mental health, offering therapeutic benefits and valuable activities for residents of all ages. Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, who represents the district, emphasizes that swimming is far more than just a leisurely pursuit—it is essential for overall well-being.
The access to public pools has been a contentious issue in America for decades. In the early 20th century, municipal pools were established on a grand scale, and desegregating these pools became a significant goal of the civil rights movement. However, budget constraints plagued many local governments, leading to the neglect of public pools. This, in turn, led to the growth of private pools and swim clubs, further exacerbating disparities.
Historians and experts in public recreation assert that the withdrawal of White Americans from public pools and parks contributed to the disinvestment in these facilities. Additionally, tax revolts in the late 1970s led to decreased funding for public recreation departments. As a result, public pools started to lose support, while private swim clubs and backyard pools gained popularity.
Disparities in access to swimming pools disproportionately affect poor and minority communities. A 2018 study reveals that a significant percentage of children from low-income families, particularly Black and Hispanic children, have limited swimming abilities. In contrast, private swim clubs predominantly cater to White suburban communities, widening the gap in access to water-based activities.
While public pools were once emblematic of the American dream, they are now fading from the urban landscape, replaced by private facilities and gated communities. Struggling with tight budgets and limited resources, many local governments face the challenge of adequately maintaining public pools. Lifeguard shortages and underfunded recreation departments further strain these essential community spaces.
Efforts to address the issue are underway, with Louisville providing funding for free summer passes to the YMCA and an amusement park. However, these passes are limited in number, leaving many residents unable to access the water due to lack of transportation.
Amidst the decline, residents of West Louisville advocate for an indoor swimming pool, open year-round, to enable access to water-based activities, classes, and fitness programs throughout the year. For them, swimming is much more than a recreational activity—it represents an opportunity for personal growth, confidence, and empowerment. Inclusive and accessible public pools can help bridge the disparities that persist in American communities, offering a chance for everyone to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of water-based activities.
