I am writing to you in outrage and with profound disappointment over the permanent closure of Columbia Pool in 2023. This decision is not just a matter of budgetary convenience—it is a blatant example of racism, ableism, and socio-economic discrimination. The closure of this vital community facility disproportionately harms the most vulnerable populations in St. Johns and North Portland. It perpetuates systemic inequities and sends a clear message: marginalized communities are not a priority.
Racism in Public Service Allocation
St. Johns, one of Portland’s most racially diverse neighborhoods, has consistently been underserved. As of 2019, ZIP code 97203, which encompasses St. Johns, was 63% white—lower than Portland’s overall 71%. Black, Indigenous, Latino, and immigrant residents make up a significant portion of the population here. Columbia Pool provided an accessible space for families of color to enjoy recreation, participate in swim lessons, and build community connections. Closing it denies these families a safe and affordable resource, further isolating them from opportunities readily available in wealthier, whiter neighborhoods like Laurelhurst or the West Hills.
Why is it that facilities in predominantly white neighborhoods, with higher property values and political clout, are rarely, if ever, threatened with closure? Why must communities of color consistently bear the brunt of “tough budget decisions”?
Inconsistencies and Dishonesty About Costs
Elected officials have repeatedly gone on record providing conflicting and dishonest estimates about the costs of both reopening Columbia Pool and constructing a new aquatic facility. Statements from the city have ranged from $12 million to $50 million for reopening Columbia Pool and $30 million to $100 million for a new aquatic center. This inconsistency reflects either a lack of clear planning or an intentional effort to manipulate the narrative, obscuring the city’s failure to prioritize equitable access to essential facilities.
Why was there no independent assessment of Columbia Pool’s true repair costs before its closure? Why has the city failed to secure grant funding, public-private partnerships, or other alternative sources of funding to preserve this critical resource? Instead, the city abandoned the pool under the guise of unaffordability while funneling resources into wealthier parts of the city.
The Life-Saving Value of Learning to Swim
The closure of Columbia Pool robs North Portland residents of a resource that saves lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged 1-4, and the second-leading cause for children aged 5-14. Black children are particularly at risk, drowning at rates 5.5 times higher than their white peers.
Studies show that 64% of Black children and 45% of Latino children have little to no swimming ability, compared to 40% of white children. This disparity stems from decades of systemic racism, including segregation of swimming facilities and the resulting generational lack of access. Columbia Pool was one of the few accessible facilities where North Portland’s diverse population could affordably learn this essential life skill.
Additionally, Columbia Pool served as a training ground for young lifeguards, many of whom were North Portland residents. Lifeguarding is not just a job; it is a gateway to leadership, responsibility, and lifesaving skills. By closing Columbia Pool, the city has stripped away opportunities for teens from one of Portland’s most racially and economically diverse areas to participate in this career pipeline.
The Impact on Roosevelt High School Students
Roosevelt High School, located just blocks from Columbia Pool, is one of the most racially diverse high schools in Oregon. Approximately 75% of students identify as non-white, and many come from low-income households. Without Columbia Pool, Roosevelt’s swim team and PE classes are forced to take a bus for over an hour to reach the nearest pool, Matt Dishman. This logistical challenge discourages participation and limits access to a sport that is already underrepresented among racial minorities.
Swimming is more than just a sport—it builds discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence. Roosevelt students deserve the same opportunities as their peers in wealthier neighborhoods with readily available facilities. Closing Columbia Pool deprives them of these opportunities, further entrenching inequities in educational and extracurricular access.
Ableism and Exclusion of Disabled Residents
Columbia Pool was a lifeline for many disabled residents in North Portland. Aquatic therapy is one of the few accessible forms of exercise for individuals with physical disabilities, chronic pain, or mobility issues. The closure of Columbia Pool forces these residents to travel significantly farther—if they can afford transportation at all—to access similar resources.
The city’s decision disregards the needs of disabled people, effectively excluding them from an essential facility that promoted health, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. This is a direct violation of their rights and dignity as members of our community.
Socio-Economic Discrimination
St. Johns is home to some of Portland’s poorest residents. In the 97203 ZIP code, 23.5% of individuals live at or below the poverty line, compared to a citywide rate of 15%. For these families, Columbia Pool was not just a recreational amenity; it was an affordable refuge. Swim lessons, family swims, and low-cost activities helped level the playing field for children who might otherwise be excluded from such experiences.
The closure also disproportionately impacts working-class families who cannot afford private club memberships or long commutes to other public pools. Meanwhile, wealthier neighborhoods, with their well-funded amenities, remain untouched by such decisions.
The Path Forward
Columbia Pool must be reopened, and the city must prioritize a new North Portland aquatic facility without delay. Securing the necessary funding for repairs or replacements is not just a financial obligation—it is a moral one. Anything less perpetuates a legacy of neglect and exclusion.
We demand:
1. Immediate transparency regarding the decision-making process that led to Columbia Pool’s closure, including clear, evidence-backed cost estimates for reopening.
2. Accountability for the disproportionate harm caused to marginalized communities.
3. Concrete plans to reopen Columbia Pool or construct a replacement facility in North Portland within the next two years, with community oversight to prevent delays and mismanagement.
You were elected to serve all your constituents, not just the affluent or politically connected. The closure of Columbia Pool is a glaring failure of leadership. It is time to reverse this wrong and demonstrate your commitment to equity, inclusion, and the well-being of North Portland’s residents.
Sincerely,
Genevieve West, Fifth generation resident of North Portland