Save the RAL Pool

Friends of RAL Pool was born out of a grass-roots effort to support geographically distributed, accessible, and affordable municipal indoor aquatics in Iowa City.

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a photo of people swimming in the RAL Pool

RAL Pool's future is threatened.

Iowa City’s Recreation Master Plan recommends closing and repurposing the RAL pool, claiming low usage that has since been proven false.
The plan also calls for spending substantially more money to add a smaller, less-versatile, warm-water pool at Mercer Park Aquatic Center, despite a lack of community support.
City officials claim repurposing the pool space might meet some unspecified need, but this notion is unsupported by the data and community feedback provided during Master Plan development.

The RAL pool is community.

Why We're Here

We advocate for the repair and revitalization of the historic Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (RAL) pool and oppose its closure.

We have shown that the Iowa City Parks and Recreation’s intentions ignore its own goals, data, and survey results. In contrast, revitalization of the RAL pool aligns with Iowa City’s Strategic Plan values, supports recreation and transportation goals, and upholds sustainability and environmental principles of historic preservation and 15-Minute Cities.

We believe the RAL pool is a vital resource that makes Iowa City’s downtown uniquely livable, supports its workers and economy, sustains the wellbeing of people of all ages, and cultivates community connections in the heart of the city.

We believe removing the RAL pool, the nationally recognized Rec Center’s primary attraction, would set the stage for the facility’s ultimate demise as well as the special community it has nurtured for generations.

Testimonials & Statements of Support

“This pool means a lot to the low-income and immigrant community. When I moved to Iowa City, it was the place I used to take my kids for fun. They learned how to swim in this pool, and for many, it’s the only affordable option for swim lessons. It’s a vital resource for our community. I fully support the preservation and continued operation of the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center swimming pool. It plays a vital role in our community, providing a safe and enjoyable space for residents of all ages and income levels to stay active and connect with one another. I am committed to working with the Friends of RAL Pool and concerned citizens to find a sustainable solution that ensures the pool’s future for generations to come.“

Mazahir Salih (Iowa City Councilor, Mayor Pro Tem)

"I absolutely support improving and maintaining the Robert A. Lee pool at its current location! Public goods like Robert A. Lee and Mercer Park Pool are a foundation of our community. Robert A. Lee's central location in particular is invaluable to many of our downtown residents and seniors. As a city councilor, I see it as my job to maintain this and many critical public goods and services for many generations to come!“

Andrew Dunn (Former Iowa City Councilor)

"As a nurse, I am concerned about the health, welfare, and wellbeing of the members of this community. As a nurse, I also value the importance of listening to what people have to say. I heard loud and clear what so many members of the community felt about access to swimming pools. You might recall that it was only John Thomas and I that voted against the Parks & Recreation Master Plan as it included the swimming pools. I stand by my decision on that.“

Pauline Taylor (RN, Former Iowa City Councilor)

“As a 45-year-old busy, working mother, the RAL pool has become my unique haven for exercise, fitting perfectly with my demanding schedule. I didn’t find this opportunity in other places. As new residents from South America finding our feet in Iowa City, my family and I have been warmly embraced by the RAL pool community, making us feel truly at home. Moreover, the pool’s outstanding swimming lessons, taught by dedicated instructors at flexible times, have been invaluable for my children’s growth and confidence. The RAL pool is much more than a physical place for exercising. It is a place that pulses community spirit, accessibility, belonging and acceptance. These values cannot be replaced with a new pool in another place.“

Juliana Talarico (PhD, RN, FAAN)

My Happy Place

The RAL pool is my happy place! I have found a welcoming community of support there like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Downtown on a Fixed Income

I live downtown on a fixed income and warm water exercise is my only safe option. I wish decision makers could understand how important the RAL pool is to so many people like me.

Convenient and Walkable

The RAL pool’s convenient, walkable location encourages me to drive less and get more exercise, which saves me money and benefits the environment.

The Only Affordable Option

With hectic lives, the RAL pool is the only affordable option close by for me and my spouse to exercise before work or during our lunch breaks.

A Place to Enjoy Family Time

We rely on the RAL pool as a place to enjoy family time together and where our children can practice an essential life skill.

Wheelchair Accessible

I prefer the chair lift at the RAL pool because I can easily get in and out of the water without submerging my wheelchair.

Kindness and Good Health

If not for the RAL pool’s accessible location, warm water, and kindness of the wonderful people I have met there, I would not enjoy the good health I do today.

Boosting the Economy

After working out at the RAL pool, I often shop at New Pioneer or Bread Garden Market for groceries on my way home or sometimes see a movie at FilmScene.

The Heartbeat of the Rec Center

The RAL pool is the heartbeat of the Rec Center where families like ours have fun together, socialize with friends, and build bonds that last forever.

Quality Time with My Grandchildren

As a family caregiver, the RAL pool is an indispensable place where I spend quality time with my grandchildren and stay active at the same time.

One of Many Downtown Activities

I love to swim at the RAL Rec Center and then walk to the senior center or public library and meet my friends downtown for lunch or shopping.

Compassionate People

My friend anonymously paid months of entry fees so an unhoused person could enjoy the benefits of the water. It is an example of the compassionate people you will meet at the RAL pool.