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Local swim nonprofit asks city for reduced access to Crow Pool to expand lessons for children of color
Summary
Representatives of the Ben Hare Just Swim for Life Foundation told the City Council they are teaching hundreds of children but face barriers securing affordable pool space and asked the city to rent or sell Crow Pool at a reduced rate so they can expand learn-to-swim programming.
Gordon Hare, who runs the Ben Hare Just Swim for Life Foundation, and instructors asked the Charlottesville City Council during public comment to help them secure affordable pool access so they can expand learn-to-swim instruction for local children. Gordon Hare said the foundation recently signed a contract with the YMCA to teach second-graders across Charlottesville and nearby counties but called for broader local support to reach children who currently lack access to lessons. "It'll increase the membership to the Y and will create an interest for many people to learn how to swim," Hare said.
Kim Basile Wood, an instructor with the foundation, told council members the program teaches about 131 children at Fry Spring Pool and that 17 of the town's roughly 20 pools are privately owned, limiting public access. She urged the city to rent Crow Pool at a reduced rate or consider selling it to the foundation and said the group will raise funds if needed. "These children are going to potentially be drowning victims. These children and their lives and their families deserve" opportunities to learn, she said.
Instructor Malva Menigan described progress she has seen teaching adults and teenagers, saying some trainees move from basic paddling to completing triathlons within a year and a half. Speakers also said the program partners with local organizations including the Boys & Girls Club and Southwood to deliver lessons.
Council members took no immediate action during the public comment period. The comments were entered as part of the community matters portion of the meeting; no formal agenda item or motion to change pool rental policy or transfer city property was introduced at the meeting.
The presenters asked the city for two concrete forms of assistance: a discounted rental rate for Crow Pool and consideration of a sale to the foundation if the city were willing. They also said the foundation would continue fundraising to support operations if given access.
Councilors did not announce follow-up steps during the meeting. Council staff and the city manager later noted that questions about pool rents and sales would require separate staff analysis and any property sale or long-term lease would need formal Council action and compliance with city property and procurement rules.
