Imagine the joy on a child's face, eagerly waiting to splash around in their brand-new swimming pool. It's a warm, sunny day, and the only thing missing for my 2-year-old son was a small pool we set up in our communal garden. Unfortunately, before he even had the chance to dip his toes in, I received an email stating the pool had been reported and was against the rules. With a heavy heart, I had to empty it out, watching my son’s excitement turn to tears.

Living in a ground-floor flat means limited outdoor space, and the communal garden seemed like the perfect place to let him enjoy the summer sun safely. However, despite the garden being otherwise unused, regulations dictate that such setups are not allowed—a rule that feels unnecessary and restrictive, especially within a community meant to bring us together.

Allowing portable, small swimming pools in communal gardens can bring immense joy to families, especially those with young children who benefit from playing and exercising outdoors. As long as these installations are temporary, safe, and do not cause inconvenience to others, they should be welcomed as a means of fostering a true sense of community and sharing happiness.

We urge the housing authorities and community management to reconsider these regulations. Let’s adopt a more flexible approach that accommodates the needs of families while maintaining harmony in shared spaces. It’s about finding a balance, ensuring safety, and bringing joy to our neighborhoods.

Sign this petition to help us create more child-friendly and inclusive communal spaces that allow seasonal joys like swimming pools during the warm months.