Outpouring of Support Leads to Final Decision on NHS Pool

A recent photo in the natatorium at North High School during the 2017 CIML Metro Conference Championship.

DES MOINES, (July 9, 2018) – An outpouring of community support for North High School, student swimmers and the Northside community means NHS will be able to keep its swimming pool.

The idea was floated to close the pool after a review of resources indicated the cost of maintaining the pool was too much given the small number of NHS students who benefited. The district sought student, parent and community input and listened to their thoughts, perspectives and ideas to keep the pool space open and maximize the usage.

“Des Moines residents, business and community leaders did more than just oppose or support the change, they stood up and volunteered to help mitigate the cost of maintaining the pool,” said Associate Superintendent Matthew Smith. “There is passion in the community to keep this pool open and available to students on the Northside.”

Volunteer business and community partners have committed to joining the district in investing time, energy and capital in upkeep of the pool and recruiting additional Northside organizations and students to make use of the facility.