By Aneesa Grant, The Portland Medium
As the summer season approaches, Portland residents can look forward to the opening of Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)’s popular outdoor pools on Wednesday, June 21. The pools will be available for public use until Sunday, August 27, 2023. In addition to the seven outdoor pools, PP&R also operates four indoor year-round pools and continues to plan for the development of a new North Portland Aquatic Center.
Swim enthusiasts can find detailed information about swim schedules, hours, and pool locations by visiting the PP&R Aquatics website at portland.gov/parks/recreation/swim-schedule.
PP&R’s outdoor pools have been eagerly anticipated by residents, with the bureau actively seeking more applicants for full-time or part-time positions as lifeguards and swim instructors. The availability of these positions is made possible through the Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy), which supports various Aquatics programs. As part of the Summer Free For All initiative, the Parks Levy allows PP&R to offer weekly Free Swims at every outdoor pool, with no admission cost.
Apart from swimming, PP&R pools offer a range of activities to cater to diverse interests and age groups. These include open play swims, lap swimming, water fitness classes, summer swim team activities, and programs specifically designed for Junior Lifeguards and Junior Swim Instructors.
“The Parks Local Option Levy has been instrumental in enabling PP&R to enhance staffing and provide a variety of recreation programs,” says Portland Culture & Livability Commissioner Dan Ryan. “This includes swim activities at all City pools and the immensely popular Summer Free For All. I’m thrilled to see the Levy continue to contribute to the exceptional quality of life for Portlanders.”
This summer, PP&R is particularly excited to offer more swim lessons compared to the past two years. Lessons will be available at both indoor and outdoor pools, marking the first time since the onset of the pandemic. However, the demand for swim lessons still exceeds the capacity that can be safely accommodated. PP&R encourages families to join waitlists if swim lessons are currently full. As more staff is recruited, additional spots will be made available to those on the waitlists throughout the summer.
The upcoming summer season holds a special significance as Portlanders will have the opportunity to experience the newly renamed Ida B. Wells-Barnett Pool, formerly known as Wilson Pool. This renaming is a historic first for PP&R’s facilities on the west side of Portland, honoring the legacy of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, a prominent Black female journalist and civil rights advocate.
Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming season: “This summer, we will reintroduce a popular community gathering place in a way that welcomes all Portlanders. The new name is a nod to the importance of Ida B. Wells-Barnett’s work and legacy, honoring a trailblazer who, frankly, deserves greater recognition.”
The naming committee emphasized the significance of honoring Ida B. Wells-Barnett in a manner consistent with other PP&R facilities where the pool, park, and adjacent school share the same name. Examples include Grant Pool, Park, and High School, as well as the former Wilson High School and Pool. By naming the pool after Ms. Wells-Barnett, the committee aimed to ensure equitable recognition for a woman of color, similar to that given to white male leaders.
As the city eagerly awaits the opening of the outdoor pools, PP&R encourages individuals to explore the multitude of aquatic programs and activities available, fostering a sense of community, recreation, and well-being.
