REMEMBERING VANCOUVER'S OUTDOOR COMMUNITY POOLS

Starting in the mid-fifties Hastings, Oak, Sunset, Mount Pleasant and Kerrisdale pools provided summertime fun to kids in their neighbourhoods... free of charge. The pools were not only opened for public swimming, but also offered swimming lessons. Each pool had a swim team and at the end of the season, swimmers banded together in the VanParks team to compete in regional and provincial meets. Local parents acted as timers and officials at these meets. Vancouver archives have very few pictures of the pools. All but Kerrisdale pool, which is now a covered indoor pool, have been plowed under, the last one being Mount Pleasant in 2009.

Scroll through the gallery.

Did you swim in any of these pools? Were you on one of the swim teams? Were you a lifeguard at one of these pools? Please share this site with anyone you think might want to contribute photos or memories. 

Feel free to post your photos or memories in the comments, or send a private message.

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Why collect  old photos and memories? Many people new to Vancouver don't know these pools even existed. They meant a lot to the people who spent time in them and, it's no exaggeration to say, they made a difference in people's lives. They provided a place to meet with or make new friends, to learn or strengthen swimming skills, and for those who worked in them, provided income.  What it comes down to, though, is the pools were just plain fun and they are part of Vancouver's history.

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