Since its dedication in 1954, Live Oak Pool has served as a vital community resource for the City of Oakland and for the neighborhoods surrounding Oakland High School, where the pool is located. It is more than just a recreational space - it is a much needed and valued hub for physical fitness, personal development, competitive training, and inclusion. Oakland High School's historic swim program teaches hundreds of students how to swim in physical education classes each year; once they learn how to swim, they can participate in the extra-curricular Oakland Athletic League swim team.

Live Oak Pool is used by diverse and underserved groups, as there isn't another public swimming pool close by to Oakland High School on the South side of Highway 580. Neighborhood residents stay fit with a Master's swim team; children participate in the summer recreation league, including swim team, Junior Lifeguards, and aquatics classes; and Special Olympic athletes with varied abilities use both the deep and shallow pools for summer training.

Unfortunately, ongoing maintenance issues have made it increasingly difficult to use the facility safely, and it has been mostly non-operational throughout the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, as well as this past summer. Live Oak Pool was painted in October 2023, but the job was unsuccessful; this was attempted again, but still was not done right. During this time, a new filter was also put in. A significant amount of money was spent trying to upgrade the pool, but mistakes were made, and now the pool sits unused. 

We respectfully request that the Oakland City Council allocate funds and resources to make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. With summer rapidly approaching, it is a disservice to the community for Live Oak Pool to remain non-operational. Everyone knows that it is important to learn to swim, that drowning rates are high and preventable, and that a successful city takes care of their facilities. Investing in the maintenance of the pool ensures that it remains a safe, accessible, and welcome space for all who rely on it. We appreciate your attention to this critical matter and look forward to your support in preserving this essential community resource.

We, the undersigned, urge the City Council to take immediate action in the current budget cycle to preserve the well-being of our community and our youth. Without urgent repairs to Live Oak Pool, we risk losing a valuable asset that benefits so many in our city.