This is how hard work, activism and a responsive government helped save Lowell Pool | Opinion

Awe. Relief. Gratitude. Hope.

Following the July 16 Boise City Council meeting, these emotions swirled through my brain as I sat barefoot on the asphalt in front of Lowell Pool, absorbing its summer heat.

The last time I went inside, it was cold, gloomy, and uncertain. It had been closed for two years already. Outside, rain was pouring down from an unfriendly April sky, but once I stepped inside, the familiar smell of chlorine, sunblock, concrete and elastic fabric instantly transported me to the simple pleasures of a Bintz pool on a Boise summer day.

But things changed that blustery April afternoon two years ago, when I learned that the future of the pool was uncertain and up for debate. I also learned that Lowell Pool has a twin sister — South Pool. The fact that there were two of my favorite pool was at first thrilling, then devastating, as I realized they were both in danger of demolition. Closed in 2019, they became stuck in limbo — in need of repairs, and more importantly, improvements to become ADA-accessible.

Obsessed and perturbed, subsequent research led me to a volunteer group called Friends of Boise Historic Pools (FOBHP). These amazing and dedicated neighbors had already been working to preserve and re-open these gems of our past — two bits of turquoise set into the sterling of our city. I enthusiastically invited myself to help.

After decades of work to push the city to invest in public pools, Lowell and South opened one week apart in June 1953. Seventy-one years later, they are among just a handful of surviving Bintz-style pools nationwide, which are known for their unique above-ground design.

Boise is the only city with two — the only known surviving examples built in the Streamline Moderne architectural style. Thanks to the hard work of FOBHP founder, Laura Bainbridge, in partnership with Ryan Rulon, and with consultation from the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, they are both listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

As history tends to repeat itself, Boise residents again stepped up to advocate for these pools, both through the city’s public outreach process and through the work of FOBHP.

I am completely in awe of the perseverance, grit and passion demonstrated by my fellow board members Laura Bainbridge and Megan Basham, and the smart, resourceful individuals that make up our group. Not to mention North End and Sunset Neighborhood Associations, our partners in preservation, and the national Wesley Bintz Swimming Pool Network, to name a few.

After five nail-biting seasons silent and empty, Mayor Lauren McLean and Boise City Council approved a plan to invest in both pools. Special thanks to council member Jimmy Hallyburton, who went the extra mile to champion our cause.

Lowell will be renovated and reopened, with ADA improvements. South Pool will stand as a structure, but her purpose will be reimagined. And a new pool, which can serve nearly double the patrons for a significantly smaller investment, will be built at Whitney Elementary.

As I sat in front of Lowell, the feeling of gratitude won out, but not without empathy for our neighbors on the Bench, who no doubt hoped to make more sun-soaked summer memories at South Pool.

Ultimately, our city’s leadership heard our concerns, and worked thoroughly and thoughtfully to address them. It’s important to recognize that decisions like this do not come easy — balancing heritage and history with exciting new recreation opportunities for a growing metro, and the efficient use of public funds.

The decision to re-invest in these pools is history in the making, and forever defines us as a city that values art, history, architecture, and creative problem-solving.

FOBHP remains a passionate advocate for these pools, their history and their future. We hope to be part of the discussion of South Pool’s future, so that others may make memories there too, albeit in a different form. If you’re passionate about these pools, we’d love to count you among our circle of friends.