Breaking Ground on the 21st Century Community Pool

On a bright, sunny morning on Thursday, June 5, we gathered at Dougherty Field to break ground on the 21st Century Community Pool. This long-awaited project will bring an inclusive, accessible public pool to Portland and serve as a vibrant gathering space for people of all ages and backgrounds across the city.

The morning was filled with excitement, gratitude, and community spirit. Portland Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Director Ethan Hipple kicked things off by reflecting on the history of the Kiwanis Pool, which first opened in 1961. After serving Portland families for 64 years, it was time for a much-needed update to better meet the needs of today's residents.

Mayor Mark Dion followed with powerful remarks about what this new pool represents. He spoke about how public pools were once symbols of division and often became flashpoints for racial violence, eventually leading to their closure across the country. He shared that this new pool symbolizes a restoration of community and a reclaiming of public space as something that welcomes everyone.

Micky Bondo, from In Her Presence, a local non profit and a member of the pool committee, spoke beautifully about the importance of outdoor spaces for children and families, especially within immigrant communities. She emphasized how this pool will offer kids the chance to connect and truly feel like they belong.

Our Executive Director, Jack Phillips, closed out the program by thanking the more than 100 funders who believed in this vision and made it possible through their generosity. This pool is more than a physical space. It is a promise of joy, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.

To honor the legacy of the original Kiwanis Pool, attendees tossed 63 pennies into the construction site. Each one represented a year the pool served the community. It was a meaningful tribute to the past while celebrating all that lies ahead.

Check out the photos and this news article to see more from this special day.