June 24, 2015
The Pop-Up Pool Project/for PhillyVoice
Kids play in the Fracisville Pool, home of the first Pop-Up Pool Project.
In March, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced that seven Philadelphia-based organizations would be granted a total of $1.1 million for projects meant to improve the city. One of those, The Pop-Up Pool Project, opened its doors on Monday, June 22, and it will soon celebrate with an official launch party.
With the Pop-Up Pool Project, The Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Sikora Wells Appel and Group Melvin Design aim to turn Philadelphia's 71 outdoor pools into social oases that encourage guests to kick back awhile. It will do this by introducing low-cost, high-impact design improvements like comfortable seating and shade-providing planters to pools across the city. This year it is starting with just one pool as a pilot test.
The Francisville Recreation Center pool is the first to receive this makeover. The pool itself opened June 22 and will remain open through August 21. The Pop-Up Pool Project's Instagram is already full of happy families utilizing the new features.
To officially welcome in the Pop-Up Pool, they'll host a launch event Wednesday, July 1. The pool will be in full swing and the night's activities will include free aqua Zumba at 6 p.m., an event which reoccurs weekly through Wednesday, August 12. Don't miss this chance to see one of Philly's newest civic social centers in action.
