Milwaukee County Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Milwaukee Alderman Jose Pérez will meet with neighbors to listen to their concerns about a proposal to close down Pulaski Indoor Pool. The proposal, which is part of the County Executive’s Recommended Budget, includes tearing down the building and replacing it with a splash pad.
Neighbors and anyone in the community concerned about this plan are encouraged to attend the meeting on Thursday, October 17th at Pulaski Pool (2701 S. 16th Street) from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Chairwoman Dimitrijevic has also invited County Executive Chris Abele and Interim Parks Director John Dargle to the meeting to hear the concerns of people working to protect the pools.
“I have heard from many senior citizens who use this pool for exercise and from families whose children are enrolled in swim classes,” Dimitrijevic said. “The decision to close the pool is short-sighted and lacks creative vision. Pools add value to our neighborhoods and I will work to make sure this resource stays open for our community.”
“I am looking forward to hearing from neighbors and residents about the future of the Pulaski Pool facility during this public meeting,” Alderman Jose Pérez said. “I want to listen to what they have to say about the pool and whether they want to maintain it as is or look to other possible uses for the location.”
“We are responsible for providing safe spaces for children and families to grow and play,” Milwaukee Public School Board Director Tatiana Joseph said. “Closing these safe spaces is an attack to communities, especially in a time when these safe spaces are minimal.”
The County Executive’s proposal also includes closing Noyes Indoor Pool. More than 57,000 people used the two pools last year. Pulaski has the highest attendance of any county pool, except for water parks in 2012 and 2013.
“Many area families using this pool are not even aware of the threat of its closure,” State Senator Tim Carpenter said. “As area elected officials on all levels, we stand united in our strong opposition to closing Pulaski pool.”
State Representative Josh Zepnick grew up near the pool. Rep. Zepnick said he wants “the County to explore as many possible options to not only keep indoor swimming but add more amenities to expand the usage and bring in additional revenue.”
He also noted how Pulaski Park is situated on the KK River which is being revitalized by MMSD and the City of Milwaukee and the park is walking distance to many nearby attractions.
