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Ah, summer—the season of sun-soaked bliss for families. There’s nothing that quite compares to the exhilaration of a day at the community pool.
As we approach, the first thing that catches our eye is the enormous orange slide, twisting and turning, a vibrant beacon signaling fun in the sun. Just beyond it lies a spacious zero-entry pool, complete with a mini water playground at one end, a lap pool divided into lanes, and an aquatic basketball court where spirited teens show off their skills, all while stealing glances at the girls in bikinis.
The routine at the community pool is familiar: we scan our entry passes, search for a shaded nook, and generously apply sunscreen before diving into the refreshing water. The joy begins—there’s diving, splashing, and endless imagination as we transform into underwater creatures, flowing with the water’s rhythm.
My daughter has developed her own pool vocabulary. Every time she retrieves one of her diving squids, she exclaims, “Squiddo!” breaking the surface with her wet hair, triumphantly waving the toy. Its origin remains a mystery, and when we inquire, she simply shrugs. It’s one of those charming enigmas of summer. As long as we have sunscreen and snacks, we embrace the spontaneity.
Occasionally, I spot my daughter’s classmates and neighbors splashing nearby. They wave, sending droplets flying, and we share snacks and casual conversation. After a little while in the water, I blow a kiss to my husband and daughter, retreating to the shade with my paperback and a seltzer from our pool bag. I relish the scene unfolding before me.
Surrounding me are fellow moms, donned in tankinis, flowing dresses, and vintage suits that haven’t met water this season. They lounge beneath wide-brimmed hats, some lost in books while others sunbathe like relaxed sphinxes. When a child yells, “Look at me, Mommy!” they momentarily turn, but most kids are under the watchful eyes of lifeguards, friends, and dads. Here, the emotional labor of parenting feels more balanced; moms can finally relax a little.
Perhaps it’s the calming presence of water that fosters our ease. The pool’s design promotes safety and order, creating a refuge from the summer heat. I notice that mothers of younger children tend to keep their little ones close, while those with older kids, who’ve mastered swimming, allow more freedom. My husband reminisces about his childhood, dropping him off at the community pool with a few dollars for snacks, where he would stay with friends until evening.
For now, I’m not ready to leave my daughter at the pool unsupervised, especially without her dad by her side. But his story highlights a sense of community that I rarely experienced growing up; we didn’t have access to community pools. My own swimming skills are basic at best, but I’m grateful for the beach we visited in Florida. However, I recognize that many families, especially in landlocked areas, lack the same opportunities, revealing the inequality of access to community pools.
During a recent oppressive heatwave, when many households endured days without power, community pools opened their doors for free entry. They became overcrowded, forcing pool management to limit access to maintain safety. At our local pool, residents pay $8 for daily entry, which could be overwhelming for some families.
Historically, community pools have been places fraught with racial inequities, making their promise of peace a privilege. Reflecting on their original intent, pools symbolize safety, relaxation, and the joy of cool water on a hot day. In a season that can drain our spirits, the pool offers a glimmer of hope and the solace that every parent deserves—a place to unwind under the sun.