The future of Sayre Morris Rec Center’s public pool has recently become more clear. Property of the School District of Philadelphia, the indoor, Olympic-sized pool, which was used by Cobbs Creek residents for decades, fell into disrepair and closed in 2017. But a new agreement with the City of Philadelphia, will help the pool, also used in the past as one of the city’s primary lifeguard training facilities, to finally reopen in the near future.

Last week, the Philadelphia Board of Education voted to reopen pool through an agreement with the city, which will operate the pool moving forward. The School Board also included $11 million in funding to complete necessary maintenance of the pool in its proposed 2024 budget and long-term financial plan.

“This outcome is the result of a collective effort on the part of the District, the City and the Commonwealth which have all contributed to the funding of the reopening of the pool,” said Board of Education President Reginald L. Streater, Esq.

For the past six years, neighbors have pushed the School District of Philadelphia to repair and reopen the pool. Recognizing the importance of the pool not just for the Cobbs Creek community but for the entire city, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) has fought to reopen the pool since she took office in 2020.

In October 2022, Gauthier successfully lobbied City Council to allocate $3 million to help pay for repairs. In addition, Councilmember Gauthier and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton each secured $500,000 in capital funding for the facility. The School District will contribute the remaining $11 million needed to bring the Sayre Pool up to code.

“Reopening the Sayre Pool is a victory for Cobbs Creek, as well as the entire city,” said Councilmember Gauthier. “This isn’t just about swimming – it’s about providing young people and families in a neighborhood that is both struggling with gun violence and lacking in safe recreational spaces a source of hope, learning, and community.”

The pool is now expected to reopen within one-two years.