Swim Phillys! OConnor Pool: a neighborhood destination for socializing, exercise and fun

OConnor Pool, 26th & South Street. Photo: N. Contosta

Heat rippled through the air in palpable waves while children and teenagers took refuge in a large, L-shaped pool, their merry cries punctuating the air. Adults meanwhile, luxuriated on comfortable chairs beneath colorful umbrellas. A hot breeze stirred the leaves of potted plants lining the pools exterior.



It was Friday, July 15th, the final and arguably most brutal day of last weeks heat wave. This reporter, sweat trickling from her brow, watched the scene unfold in a mix of disbelief and awe. To an outsider, the OConnor Pool, 26th and South Streets, symbolizes all the trappings of a private swim club. But rest assured, as part of Philadelphia Park and Recreation, it remains free and available to everyone.



The OConnor Pool represents one of the five public pools transformed under the Swim Philly! Program this summer. Theres the Lee Cultural Center in West Philly, the Lawncrest Recreation Center in Northeast Philly, the Pleasant Playground in Northwest Philly and the Francisville pool in North Philly.



The pool upgrade is an offshoot of last years pop up pool program, explained active resident Peg Connor. A local citizen named Ben Bryant, who is also an urban planner, wrote a grant for the Knight Foundation to improve Philadelphia pools to make them more ambient, attractive and compelling as a neighborhood meeting spots in addition to a recreation amenity.



This pool is a result of this program that was successfully launched at the Francisville Pool over in the Art Museum neighborhood last summer, Connor continued. This particular upgrade is a result of partnerships between Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, the Friends of Schuylkill Park, Markward Recreation Advisory Council, South by Schuylkill and SOSNA, Connor explained. Note: The Markward Recreation Advisory Council and the Friends of Schuylkill Park raised funds then matched by the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation for the OConnor Pool upgrades.



Not only did those groups contribute funds, they also contributed sweat equity: staining, planting and watering of plants, Connor explained. We have new programming. Theres poolside yoga on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. It happens during the adult swim hour. People must be 18-years-old to participate. People can swim during that time too, Connor emphasized. Were also working to get Aqua Zumba. But we need to nail down an instructor for that.



To Connor, a long-time resident, who works for a tennis advocacy group, the improvements couldnt have come soon enough.



Ive been very active in advocating for the pool, even before the merger of parks and recreation, Connor said, noting, Schuylkill River Park and Markward Playground are one of only seven locations in the city that have both parks and rec amenities in one spot. We were merged before the merger, Connor joked.



Weve always wrapped our arms around the pool, whether it was painting during clean- ups or refurbishing the bathrooms.



People from all neighborhoods are welcome to this pool, Connor continued. Its really a great community nexus. People, whose paths would not normally pass, do. Theyre able to chat. Theyre able to workout. Its great, Connor said, stressing, I firmly believe that every kid should have access to safe, clean opportunities to exercise.



Speaking of exercise, Theres a huge inactivity epidemic in the US. And a lot of that is because recreation components in schools are built without playgrounds and gyms, Connor relayed. Sometimes [public] recreation centers are falling into disrepair or not being built.



Recreation centers represent a valuable part of our countrys infrastructure. According to US 2016 National Physical Activity Plan, 7 out of 10 American adults used local parks and 3 out 10 participating in community programs in 2015. The most benefits Americans felt the sector provided through programs and parks were exercise/activity and physical fitness. Despite these statistics, the study reported, many Americans remain insufficiently active in their leisure and recreation pursuits.



Consequently, Connor hopes that the city will continue improving its rec centers and parks. In turn, the public would utilize them for exercise with greater frequency.



To learn more about the programs offered at the OConnor Pool, including its swimming lessons and hours of operation: 215-685-6649, www.markwardplayground.com (and click on the OConnor Swimming Pool tab).





