Dallas is gearing up to retire every one of its nine aging community pools, shutting them down in phases - three each year over the next three years.
The Park and Recreation Board, responding to rising maintenance costs, dwindling attendance, and multi‑million‑dollar budget pressures, is moving rapidly from a modest two‑pool cut proposal to a full retirement plan.
Built between 1947 and 1975, these legacy pools have outlived their usefulness - the city saw attendance drop by more than half compared to the summer of 2023, even with reduced operating days.
City officials say those savings will be reinvested in modern aquatic centers and splash pad-style attractions that draw more users, cost less to maintain, and better reflect what North Texans want.
The transition involves gutting old pool infrastructure (a process that can take over a year) and rolling out equally appealing replacements, backed by the 2015 Aquatic Facilities Master Plan and a city investment exceeding $75 million.
Supporters call it responsible planning, even if saying goodbye to neighborhood pools leaves some residents nostalgic and wary.
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