New Orleans Opens Community Pools for Summer Fun

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Residents celebrate the opening of community pools in New Orleans for summer activities.

News Summary

New Orleans marks the start of summer with the opening of community pools, including a state-of-the-art pool complex in Algiers. NORD now operates 17 pools, with various programs for youth. Despite staffing challenges, NORD is actively hiring lifeguards to ensure safe operations. Operating hours are structured to maximize community access. The city’s commitment to recreational activities highlights the importance of aquatic programs for families and children this summer.

New Orleans has officially welcomed the summer season with the opening of community pools across the city. As temperatures rise, residents can now enjoy swimming facilities that include a new state-of-the-art pool complex in Algiers and numerous other pools operated by the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD).

Last month, NORD opened the George Rainey pool facility, which spans over 10,000 square feet and features a splash pad. It is the fifth indoor pool operated by NORD and the only large splash pad facility in New Orleans. The facility will be available to families year-round. Currently, there are 17 NORD pools in total, with 13 open for public use. Three more pools—Harrell, Sampson, and Lehman—are scheduled to open by mid-June. However, the A.L. Davis pool is undergoing maintenance and is set to open later in the summer, while Taylor Pool remains closed for the season due to a Stormwater Management Project.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell has highlighted the importance of supporting youth through summer programs, noting that NORD is serving over 3,000 children and teenagers through various initiatives this year. These programs are crucial in providing constructive activities and a safe environment for young residents during the summer months.

Despite the efforts to enhance summer programming, NORD has faced challenges with lifeguard staffing in recent years. To address this shortage, NORD has initiated ongoing hiring efforts. Currently, about 80 candidates are going through the hiring and registration process, and over 71 lifeguards have already been certified. NORD aims to hire more than 100 lifeguards this summer to ensure that all facilities can operate safely and efficiently. The number of pools available for use this summer has increased from last year, which began with only eight open pools due to staffing and maintenance challenges.

The operating hours for these facilities are structured to maximize access for residents. Indoor pools are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Outdoor pools are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Residents are encouraged to check pool hours in advance, as there may be changes based on staffing or other factors.

The community has voiced concerns over past pool closures that stemmed from maintenance and staffing difficulties. These issues have impacted the ability of residents, especially youth, to access recreational activities during the summer. The increase in open pools this year represents a commitment by the city to enhance leisure opportunities for its residents during the warmer months.

As the summer progresses, New Orleans continues to promote swimming as an essential component of youth activities. With the combination of new facilities, expanded programming, and active hiring initiatives, the city aims to provide safe, enjoyable, and accessible swimming experiences for all.