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Cooling off from the heat of the summer is not as easy as it used to be for North Kansas City residents.

The city has been without a public outdoor swimming pool for many years and while another Memorial Day has come and gone, residents still have to find alternatives for relief from hot summer days.

The rebuilding and reintroduction of a pool to the community was never promised, but some residents continue to wait for the day.

The outdoor pool was closed to allow the public library to be expanded. Swimmers saw the pool’s final summer in 2000 before the community center was opened in December of the same year, according to Greg Hansen, community center director.

The building and reopening of an outdoor pool would take a majority approval from the City Council of a properly zoned location for the facility in addition to securing funding.

Mayor Bill Biggerstaff said an outdoor pool is on the council’s radar but they would not be taking action on a pool project soon.

"I think there is a big interest in having an outdoor pool, but the problem is you’re talking big, big money," he said. "I’m definitely in favor; it’s just about the money."

He said there are items on the council’s agenda that are higher priorities, but expected there would be little hesitation from the council to approve the construction of a pool if funding was available.

Leland O’Dell, longtime manager of the pool, remembered the facility’s heyday.

O’Dell began working at the pool as an assistant manager in 1957. He took over as manager in 1959 where he stayed until the pool was drained for the final time, 41 years later.

He said in the 1960s and 1970s, the pool would often average 800 swimmers a day. He recalled a day that recorded 1,500 swimmers.

"And that pool wasn’t that big," he said about the size of the pool compared to the number of visitors.

At least one council member said she is in favor of reintroducing an outdoor pool to the city.

Councilwoman Carolyn Manzo, who is a longtime resident, has memories of summer days at the pool where she took swimming lessons as a child.

"I think it’s an asset to the way the city looks to have it," she said. "I think with people buying into the city, they should have a facility outside of the community center that they can use to be out in the sun in the summer."

She said there are at least four homes — in addition to her own — within two blocks in her neighborhood that have installed private backyard pools so they have a spot to cool off in the summer.

"I just think it would add to the beauty of the city to bring a really nice pool back," Manzo said.

Although North Kansas City residents do not have a spot to swim outdoors, the indoor pool at the community center, 1999 Iron St., is open year-round and a small wading pool in Daag Park, 715 East 21st Ave., is open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Staff writer Meagan O’Donnell can be reached at 389-6606 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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