News Summary

Lake Worth residents are mourning the loss of their beloved high school pool, which has been demolished after 60 years of service. The closure is attributed to ongoing maintenance issues and an iguana infestation, leaving the community with limited access to swimming facilities. Local officials are working on plans for a new aquatic center to address the growing need for swimming opportunities as summer approaches, especially for low-income families. The city is also dealing with contamination issues linked to the iguana problem.

Lake Worth Says Goodbye to High School Pool: A Community Remembers

The city of Lake Worth is witnessing a huge change this week as crews have been hard at work demolishing the beloved Lake Worth Community High School pool. This historic facility, which has served the community for over 60 years, is officially closed for good, leaving many residents feeling nostalgic and concerned about the future of local aquatic resources.

What Led to the Closure?

The decision to shut down the pool indefinitely wasn’t made lightly. The School District of Palm Beach County cited ongoing maintenance issues combined with an unexpected iguana infestation as the main reasons for its closure. Unfortunately, the pool has sat empty since early 2020, even before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, and it gradually fell into disrepair.

A Community in Need of Swimming Opportunities

As the warm summer months approach, locals are expressing deep concerns over the dwindling number of public pools available for families to cool off and, most importantly, to learn how to swim. Many residents remember the excitement of learning to dive and splash around, and now that joy feels distant.

Swim coach Sally Welsh, who was a key figure at the pool, saw as many as 400 students a year coming through for swimming classes. With her experience and dedication, she is particularly worried about safety and well-being. There’s a rising concern that drowning statistics may increase among low-income families who may not have the means to access swimming lessons elsewhere.

Finding Alternatives

If you’re wondering where the nearest splash zone is now, the closest alternatives are at facilities like the Lake Lytal Family Aquatic Center, Santaluces High School, and Boca Raton High School. However, these locations might not be as accessible to everyone in Lake Worth, especially families in need of affordable or free swimming resources.

Local resident Elead Oatway has voiced his frustration about the current situation. The municipal pool by the beach has also been closed for nearly a decade, leaving families without a place to dive in and escape the heat.

Looking to the Future

Superintendent Mike Burke has taken note of the community’s concerns and assured everyone that they are working closely with Parks and Recreation to find a solution. They are actively discussing plans to develop a new aquatic center that could serve the families of Lake Worth and hopefully fill the void left by the high school pool’s demolition.

In a move to address the community’s needs, city officials have scheduled a special commission meeting on June 26, where they will consider potential research into a new beach complex and pool project. This could possibly open the door to much-needed swimming facilities.

The Iguana Problem

Adding to the situation is the ongoing iguana infestation that has forced the city of Lake Worth Beach to invest over $100,000 in prevention measures. Despite these efforts, the problem seems to persist and has led local officials to suggest that it contributed to the pool’s contamination issues. With the reptiles proving to be a nuisance, finding a safe and clean aquatic environment is more pressing than ever.

A Call to the Community

As the dust settles where the high school pool once stood, the community’s voices are becoming increasingly important. As plans for a new aquatic facility get underway, Lake Worth residents are hoping for a future where families can once again enjoy swimming and safe water recreation right in their backyard.

This may be the end of an era, but it could also be the beginning of something new for the community. If there’s one thing Lake Worth is known for, it’s the resilience and spirit of its people. Here’s hoping that a shiny new aquatic center will soon become the talk of the town!

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