Fitler Square’s Community Pool Finds Itself At a Crossroads
Fitler Square’s Community Pool Finds Itself At a Crossroads
Beloved O'Connor Pool faces challenges from repair delays to staffing shortages, prompting debate over renovation or alternative community uses.
By James Young
Since the 1920s, O’Connor Pool has been a refuge from the hot summer sun for people of all ages. Located on South St between S 26th St and Taney St, it is considered part of Schuylkill River Park.
It is the only public pool in the immediate vicinity of Fitler Square and is also used frequently by residents of the Rittenhouse and Grays Ferry neighborhoods.
However, in recent years, the pool has faced setbacks; O’Connor Pool is open for less than two months per year, and due to its age, requires frequent and expensive repairs. Even when the pool is open, its hours are limited; its scheduled hours are 1-7 on weekdays and 12-5 on weekends, but it often closes earlier than scheduled.
Additionally, the pool was closed entirely in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic and the general state of disrepair of the pool area.
Crumbling Walls
In 2021, a large section of the brick wall surrounding the pool had collapsed and needed to be fully rebuilt. In 2021, the Fitler Square Neighborhood Association (FSNA) released a statement to the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, which operates the pool, stating: “we would like to raise a concern about the delays in repairing the pool. The structural issues with the 100+-year-old pool have been known for at least three years, and the delays in repairing the walls prevented the community from having a much-needed outdoor communal space for activity and exercise during the summer of 2021.”
A representative from Parks & Rec confirmed that construction on “unstable walls and fencing” was completed in 2022, but added that “no additional renovations are planned at the moment.”
Lifeguard Shortage
In addition to the delays in necessary repairs from Parks & Rec, the pool faces a shortage in staffing. This issue has affected nearly all public pools in Philadelphia, especially in the past few years. The lack of available lifeguards and other staff contributes heavily to O’Connor Pool’s limited operational schedule.
To combat the lifeguard shortage, neighborhood groups put on The Philly Phreeze, an event in mid February that raised money for Philadelphia pools. Fitler Square had a strong showing in the citywide fundraising competition, bringing in nearly $2,000 and ranking 3rd (out of 21 teams) in total funds raised.
A Pool “At a Crossroads”
According to Benjamin Keys, president of FSNA, the pool is currently “at a crossroads.” Though Keys views the pool, and the park in general, as the “gem of the neighborhood,” he does not think it is currently receiving the attention and care it needs from Parks & Rec.
Keys sees two paths forward: either O’Connor Pool should be fully renovated into a modern pool that requires less frequent maintenance, or the space should be used for something other than a pool.
Either one of these proposals would be expensive for the City, but would be cost-effective in the long term by eliminating the need to frequently and extensively repair the aging pool. FSNA has “looked into grant proposals for renovation,” but has not gotten very far, as the pool is “not a Parks & Rec priority.”
In October 2021, the Friends of Schuylkill River Park released a “Master Plan” for coming improvements to the park; it outlined a plan to add additional water features near the Markward Recreation Center, but said that “additional engagement with pool users and stakeholders to develop any improvement strategies is needed.”
Alternative Uses
In terms of alternative uses for the space, Keys had several suggestions: one possibility is to build a new community center, which would replace the current one at Markward. The current community center is starting to show its age, and is prone to flooding; it endured significant flood damage during Hurricane Ida in 2021.
Another potential path is to sell the land to a private developer, with provisions for a shared community benefit. For example, the space could be used for housing, which is in very limited supply in Fitler Square, or for retail space, or a combination of the two. Keys underscores that any private use should include “a shared space or amenity that would be a resource to the community.”
This option would also provide funding to be used toward other park improvements. Whether the solution is public or private, Keys believes that the possibilities for the space are “practically endless.”
A Beloved Community Resource
Converting O’Connor Pool into another use would be a tough sell to residents. On Yelp, O’Connor Pool has a stellar 4.4 (out of 5) rating, which is higher than other Philadelphia public pools. Residents have left effusively positive reviews over the years. Reviewer Roxy U. said in 2023 that the pool has “the best atmosphere and friendly staff,” and mentioned that the space was “always very clean and orderly.” Abby S. appreciated that the pool was “was extremely safe with two or three lifeguards on duty.”
Whatever route the City takes, it must balance maintaining this beloved community resource with wise spending choices for taxpayers. At the same time, it needs to handle the complex issue of utilizing public land efficiently in Fitler Square.
O’Connor Pool is set to reopen this summer.