This summer, families across Dallas gathered at Walnut Hill, Glendale, and Grauwyler Pools to cool off, connect, and find relief from the heat. Now, city officials are considering shutting down every single one of the nine community pools within three years. For many neighborhoods, these aren’t just places to swim—they are lifelines for kids, seniors, and families who can’t afford private gyms or country clubs.

The Dallas Park and Recreation Board was told that closing the pools would save money for the city’s $3 million budget gap. But closing pools doesn’t just cut costs—it cuts opportunity. It takes away safe spaces for children to play, places where grandparents teach grandkids to swim, and hubs where neighbors build community. In a city where summer temperatures soar above 100 degrees, closing all public pools isn’t just unpopular—it’s dangerous.

The truth is, Dallas knew these pools were aging. The city approved an aquatic master plan in 2015 to build new aquatics centers, but those promises still haven’t been fully delivered. Instead of following through, leaders now want to quietly phase out the old without ensuring the new is built where it’s needed most. Communities that depend on affordable recreation should not be left with nothing.

Yes, infrastructure costs money. But shutting down all nine community pools means entire neighborhoods—especially those without access to private alternatives—will be left behind. This is a question of priorities. Do we balance budgets on the backs of children and working families, or do we commit to public spaces that make Dallas livable for everyone?

We call on Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, the Dallas City Council, and the Dallas Park and Recreation Board to halt the blanket closure of all community pools. Dallas must invest in safe, modern aquatics centers before eliminating the facilities families rely on today.

Sign if you agree: Dallas families deserve safe, public spaces to swim, cool down, and connect—this summer, and every summer to come.