On February 27, 2026 the city of Johnson City announced that they will be closing the Freedom Hall swimming pool. Freedom Hall Aquatics Facility is an indoor pool adjacent to the Freedom Hall Civic Center and it is operated by the Parks and Recreation Department. Not only is the pool used for recreation, but it is also the home pool and practice facility for the Science Hill High School swim team, the Johnson City Middle Schools swim team, and the historic Barracuda Swim Club. 

My daughter has been on the Barracuda Swim Club team since she was six years old. This year, she also had the opportunity to swim as a sixth grader for the Johnson City Middle Schools swim team. We have created many happy memories at the Freedom Hall swimming pool, and everyone impacted by its potential closure has learned lifelong lessons and made forever friends at this cherished facility.

Johnson City announced plans to close the Freedom Hall swimming pool due to the need for an estimated $750,000 in repairs. This pool is a vital resource for our community, serving as the sole training facility for our local high school and middle schools. Closing the pool would not only affect our athletes' training and progression but also eliminate a source of community engagement and sporting excellence. Swimming is a sport that teaches discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. The Freedom Hall swimming pool is more than just a place for exercise; it's where children develop these skills and build lifelong connections.

We understand the significant financial investment necessary for repairs, but we believe with collaborative effort with Johnson City Schools and local businesses, the city can secure the necessary funds without diverting budgeted city funds. We propose exploring grants, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising efforts, and engaging community partnerships to cover the repair costs. Furthermore, we encourage the city to consider the long-term benefits of maintaining this vital community asset - from health benefits to local pride and the avoidance of potential costs linked to the deterioration of other community assets if resources are strained elsewhere.

Let's come together as a community to advocate for the future of our children and support the athletes who dream of excelling in a sport that has given so much to them. Protect the integrity and tradition of swimming in our community by reconsidering the immediate closure of the Freedom Hall swimming pool. If Freedom Hall swimming pool must close, we urge city leaders to continuing to support the swim teams by helping to secure appropriate alternatives to allow continued training and practice. 

Please sign this petition to urge the decision-makers of Johnson City to reconsider immediate closure, explore alternative funding, and support our swimmers!