Portland's Black Swimming Initiative celebrates five years of community lessons at Matt Dishman Pool

During a recent Portland City Council work session, community member Morgan Spriggs, co-founder of the Black Swimming Initiative, addressed the council, highlighting the organization's efforts to increase swimming accessibility for the BIPOC community in Portland. Established in 2020, the initiative has partnered with Portland Parks and Recreation to provide swimming lessons, successfully offering around 1,000 lessons over the past five years, with 200 lessons delivered in the last year alone.

Spriggs emphasized the importance of the Matt Dishman pool, a historic site for the Black community, as a key location for these lessons. He invited council members to visit the pool on the third Saturday of each month to witness the community engagement firsthand. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to train BIPOC lifeguards and instructors to further enhance community involvement in swimming activities.

The meeting also touched on broader discussions regarding community partnerships, including collaboration with the Human Access Project to expand swimming opportunities. Additionally, the council addressed operational matters, with Councilor Novick raising questions about new insurance requirements for Parks friends groups, seeking clarity on whether these changes were mandated or discretionary.

The session underscored the city's commitment to fostering vibrant communities through inclusive recreational programs and highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to swimming facilities for all residents. As the council moves forward, the implications of these discussions may shape future policies and community engagement strategies.