Dallas, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Next summer, three of Dallas’s nine community pools will not open due to planned replacements and proximity to other aquatic facilities. The closures involve the Jaycee Zaragoza pool, the Glendale pool, and the Grauwyler pool. This decision by the Park and Recreation Department aims to modernize the city’s aquatic infrastructure. Although the closures will save approximately $200,000, it raised concerns among community members about the availability of affordable swimming options. Future plans include new pool constructions funded by a recent bond package.
Dallas
Next summer, three out of the nine Dallas community pools will not open: Jaycee Zaragoza pool in West Dallas, Glendale pool in East Oak Cliff, and Grauwyler pool near Love Field. The decision to close these facilities was made to allow for construction of replacement pools for two sites and because the third is adjacent to a sprayground and within three miles of an existing aquatic center.
Key decision and immediate impact
The decision to close these pools was made by John Jenkins, the director of the Park and Recreation Department. The closures are part of the city’s long-term plan to modernize aquatic infrastructure under the 2015 aquatic master plan, which aims to replace older, functionally obsolete community pools with newer facilities.
Which pools will be affected and why
The three pools that will not open next summer are the Jaycee Zaragoza pool in West Dallas, the Glendale pool in East Oak Cliff, and the Grauwyler pool near Love Field. Two of the closed sites are slated for replacement with newly constructed pools; the third is located next to a sprayground and is within three miles of an aquatic center, influencing the decision not to rebuild immediately.
Financials and timelines
The closures will save about $200,000 for the fiscal year. A bond package totaling nearly $1.3 billion approved in 2024 includes funding for new pools, including an estimated $4.5 million for the new Jaycee Zaragoza pool. Construction for the new Jaycee Zaragoza pool is expected to start in 2026. District 8 is allocated around $4 million to build a new aquatic center in Singing Hills Recreation Center, about two miles from the Glendale pool.
Usage and community reaction
The nine community pools in question are neighborhood-centered facilities that are over 50 years old and provide affordable swimming options, lessons, and youth programs. Debate over the closure of the pools has been ongoing for the past year. Local residents, particularly seniors, voiced opposition to the pool closures, citing the importance of aquatic programs offered at the pools.
During this debate, one council amendment proposal sought to close four pools but was rejected during a council vote on a $5.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year. Although the amendment did not pass, it prompted broader discussions about the necessity and value of community pools to local neighborhoods.
Attendance and comparative data
Usage statistics this year highlighted differences among facilities. The Martin Weiss pool in District 1 was one of the most frequented pools this year, with 5,092 visitors, compared to 1,042 at the Glendale pool. Dallas operates nine aquatic centers complemented by 17 spraygrounds, an indoor pool, and a beach water park; these resources factor into planning decisions for neighborhood pools.
Planning and next steps
The city is awaiting an update to its aquatic master plan this fall for further guidance on community preferences and how to replace the closed pools. City leadership says the closure plan is intended to modernize facilities and address high maintenance costs associated with aging infrastructure.
Background
The 2015 aquatic master plan guides the current effort to develop newer aquatic facilities in replacement of older, functionally obsolete community pools. The nine community pools referenced are more than 50 years old and historically provided low-cost swim access, lessons, and youth programming for neighborhoods across the city.
FAQ
Which pools will not open next summer?
Next summer, three out of the nine Dallas community pools will not open: Jaycee Zaragoza pool in West Dallas, Glendale pool in East Oak Cliff, and Grauwyler pool near Love Field.
Who made the decision to close these pools?
The decision to close these pools was made by John Jenkins, the director of the Park and Recreation Department.
How much will the closures save this fiscal year?
The closures will save about $200,000 for the fiscal year.
Is there funding to replace any of the pools?
A bond package totaling nearly $1.3 billion approved in 2024 includes funding for new pools, including an estimated $4.5 million for the new Jaycee Zaragoza pool.
When will construction start for the new Jaycee Zaragoza pool?
Construction for the new Jaycee Zaragoza pool is expected to start in 2026.
What is the status of a new aquatic center near Glendale?
District 8 is allocated around $4 million to build a new aquatic center in Singing Hills Recreation Center, about two miles from the Glendale pool.
Are these pools old?
The nine community pools in question are neighborhood-centered facilities that are over 50 years old and provide affordable swimming options, lessons, and youth programs.
Is the city updating its planning guidance?
The city is awaiting an update to its aquatic master plan this fall for further guidance on community preferences and how to replace the closed pools.
Pool status and funding overview
| Pool | Status | Reason | Funding / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaycee Zaragoza (West Dallas) | Will not open next summer | Planned replacement with new pool | $4.5 million estimated; construction expected to start in 2026 |
| Glendale (East Oak Cliff) | Will not open next summer | Planned replacement; nearby new aquatic center in District 8 | District 8 allocated around $4 million for Singing Hills Recreation Center (about two miles away) |
| Grauwyler (near Love Field) | Will not open next summer | Adjacent to a sprayground and within three miles of Bachman Aquatic Center | Closure considered based on proximity to other aquatic resources |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
The Cab Announces New EP and Fall Tour
Dallas to Decommission Aging Community Pools
Dallas Considers Phased Closure of Community Pools
Dallas Faces $36.5 Million Budget Shortfall Amid Proposed Cuts
End-of-Summer Activities for Families in Dallas-Fort Worth
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Enhances Swim Safety
Additional Resources
- Dallas News
- Wikipedia: Dallas
- Dallas Observer
- Google Search: Dallas community pools closure
- WFAA
- Google Scholar: Dallas community pools
- MSN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- CBS News
- Google News: Dallas pools budget closure
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
