As summer temperatures begin to rise, Philadelphia residents can look forward to staying cool, with the City of Philadelphia announcing that all 60 available outdoor public pools will open for the season. The swimming spots will become accessible on a rolling basis starting June 17, as reported by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson.
In a move to kick off summer festivities, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson joined the celebration at Chew Playground pool on the 17th, marking the city's embrace of community and leisure. Despite a nationwide challenge in recruiting lifeguards, Philadelphia has managed to staff up approximately 350 lifeguards and 305 pool maintenance attendants. According to the City of Philadelphia's official announcement, this effort means residents can expect a safely operated summer at the pools.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker highlighted the interdepartmental collaboration that went into preparing for the pool openings, stating, "It takes months of preparation across City departments to get our beloved public pools ready for a summer of fun." Parker expressed gratitude towards the Parks & Rec staff, “I’m grateful in particular to all of the Parks & Rec staff who recruited and hired lifeguards and pool staff; painted and fixed pools; and ensured they are welcoming for deserving residents. Together, we will make Philadelphia the Safest, Cleanest and Greenest Big City in America, with Economic Opportunity for All.”
Parks & Rec's Deputy Commissioner of Programs, AnneMarie Dunne, underscored that the pools aren’t just for cooling off but also for learning vital skills. "This summer, we are shaping the future lifeguards of Philadelphia by requiring mandatory swim lessons for our campers and offering free swim lessons for children," Dunn said. Residents of all ages will also have access to aquatics programming, including adult fitness classes, supported by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
According to the city's pool opening schedule, following the opening of Chew Pool, Hunting Park Pool, and Scanlon Pool on Monday, several other pools including Mitchell Pool, Penrose Pool, and Lederer (Fishtown) Pool, welcomed swimmers on Tuesday, June 18. The schedule for additional pool openings through June 23 is available, with the caveat that Kelly Pool's opening on Lansdowne Drive has been postponed due to a mechanical issue. For the most accurate and current opening times, Philly residents are encouraged to check the schedule online throughout the summer.
Safeguarding against the heat isn't the only goal of the city's efforts. As part of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation's broader initiative, various incentives and partnerships have been implemented to strengthen their squad of lifeguards. These include generous end-of-summer hiring bonuses and free year-round lifeguard training to keep pools supervised and safe for the community.
While most pools will be up and running, the announcement did note that ten pools would remain closed this summer, owing to the Rebuild project construction or necessary capital repairs.
