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Westwood Community Demands Reopening of Local Pool

Residents of Westwood discussing pool renovation concerns

News Summary

Residents of the Westwood community in Memphis are frustrated by the prolonged closure of their outdoor pool, which has remained shut for years. Despite the city allocating funds for renovations, the pool is still not operational. Community advocates express concern over the disparity in attention given to local facilities, while city officials cite contractual delays in the renovation process. Temporary swimming alternatives are being provided, but residents emphasize the urgent need for their pool to reopen for summer recreation and youth engagement.

Memphis – The Westwood community is voicing strong concerns regarding the prolonged closure of their outdoor pool, which has remained shuttered for several years. Residents are increasingly frustrated with the city’s failure to fulfill promises regarding the pool’s renovation and reopening, leading to heightened tension during recent City Council meetings where community members demanded accountability.

Despite being included in the city’s budget for years, the Westwood pool has not opened this summer. Residents expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of decisive action on the pool project, highlighting the situation’s urgency. Local advocates, including Wynnee Hardaway, pointed out the dissonance between the city’s financial commitments and the current condition of the pool, which remains unusable.

Financially, the city had purportedly allocated $600,000 for pool renovations. However, community members have noted that while other facilities in the area are operational and well-maintained, the Westwood pool remains neglected. This disparity has led to increased scrutiny of the city’s priorities regarding improvements to local amenities.

City Response to Community Concerns

Antonio Adams, the City of Memphis Chief Operating Officer, responded to resident frustrations by clarifying that the repairs to the pool have been subject to contractual delays. He explained that renovations have faced repeated bidding processes, compounded by protests from unsuccessful bidders that have further complicated progress.

While the city insists it is making strides in addressing the pool’s issues, it has replaced essential mechanical and plumbing systems in the Fiscal Year 2024. Future plans for the pool include renovations to the pool bottom, shell liner, deck, and fence, as well as implementing improvements for accessibility according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The next bidding process for the pool renovations is set to remain open until June 25, 2025. Residents have been assured that the city remains committed to completing the renovations efficiently with the goal of reopening the pool at the earliest opportunity.

Temporary Solutions and Community Impact

In the meantime, the city is attempting to provide alternative swimming access to families in Westwood and Whitehaven. Collaborating with the YMCA, the city is offering water safety classes for over 120 campers aged 5 to 17. While this initiative aims to mitigate the effects of the pool’s closure, community members stress that access to their pool is crucial for summer recreation and safe swimming practices.

Local residents have expressed overwhelming support for the reopening of the Westwood pool, underscoring its importance as a communal resource especially for families and children who live in the area. They believe that revitalizing recreational spaces like the pool is essential for the community’s growth and development.

Calls for Community Investment

Community advocates such as Hardaway emphasized the need for proactive investment in facilities that serve children and future generations. Residents collectively argue that improved access to recreational resources is vital for fostering a healthy community and encouraging positive development among youth in Westwood.

As the city grapples with challenges regarding the pool’s reopening, the voices of Westwood residents remain strong in advocating for necessary changes and enhancements to their shared resources. The commitment to transparency and revitalization of the neighborhood pool will likely be a key focus moving forward, standing as a testament to the community’s resilience and desire for better facilities.