Peeling paint, graffiti and weeds growing in the cracks: This is the state of the Pulaski Pool House in Poughkeepsie.
"This pool right here, it’s not in the greatest condition," said William Artist, Nubian Directions II's construction manager.
Residents like Artist say it’s not the best place for kids – especially during the summer.
Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison recently outlined the city’s nearly $2 million plan to renovate both of the city’s pools. It’s part of a wider plan to make the city more family-friendly, a major focus of his state of the city address.
"Our pools are visited thousands of times each season, and it's true that these pool houses have themselves become a symbol of decay in the city," said Rolison.
The city tasked local organization Nubian Directions II, a group devoted to professionally training young people, with surveying more than 500 neighbors about what they wanted to see at the city pools.
Nubian Directions President Robert Wright says families want better opportunities for recreation in the city.
"I would say that the young people in the district in school and out of school are doing fairly well; more could be done in terms of providing opportunities for recreation," said Wright.
The needed improvements are about more than just aesthetics. A 2021 Chinese study on the impact of urban recreation found that urban parks have a positive effect on residents’ happiness.
According to the City Parks Alliance organization, parks increase community engagement and reduce crime, something the group says it’s seen in Poughkeepsie.
"This right here is something to do," said Artist, pointing to the pool.
"I agree; I don’t think they’ve ever had any problems with gun violence at the pools," said Wright.
They say having access to a free city pool in the dog days of summer is priceless.
The Pulaski pool house is scheduled for a total demolition and rebuild, while the Spratt Park pool will just be renovated.