News Summary
Georgetown city officials are considering closing the River Ridge Pool as part of cost-cutting measures for the upcoming fiscal year. This proposal has raised concerns among residents who rely on the facility for recreational swimming. While other pools are operational for the Labor Day holiday, the possibility of reduced swimming options as the summer season ends highlights budget constraints facing the city. The community awaits final decisions regarding the pool’s future amidst rising operational costs and budgetary evaluations.
Georgetown city officials have proposed the closure of the River Ridge Pool, situated off Leander Road, as part of a cost-cutting measure for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. This decision comes as part of a broader evaluation of the city’s outdoor pool facilities amid rising operational costs and budgetary constraints.
The city currently operates three outdoor pools, including the River Ridge Pool and the Williams Drive Pool. While the Williams Drive Pool will remain open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. from August 31 through September 2 for the Labor Day holiday, the proposal to close River Ridge Pool has raised concerns among community members who utilize the facility for recreational swimming.
Other seasonal outdoor pools in Georgetown have already closed for the summer, leading to increased demand for the remaining facilities. In addition, splash pads at four locations—San Jose Park, Rabbit Hill Park, Georgetown Art Center, and Garey Park—will remain operational through October, dependent on weather conditions. Residents are reminded that the city’s GoGeo paratransit bus service will not operate on September 2, although regular recycling and solid waste collection will proceed as scheduled.
The Transfer Station will be open on Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Georgetown Recreation Center will close from August 26 to September 2 for preventive maintenance geared toward facility upgrades. The Village Pool will be available daily for Recreation Center members from August 26 to August 30, operating from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this maintenance period, staff will remain accessible to handle inquiries.
While the proposed closure of the River Ridge Pool is part of measures to tighten budget access, city officials have yet to finalize their decision, leaving the community to speculate on the impact of reduced swimming options. Earlier this year, the Jelleff Recreation Center pool was reopened and is among the 22 pools maintained by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, which continues to offer swimming facilities free of charge to D.C. residents, although non-residents must pay for a membership.
Pools in Georgetown operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends until June 23, after which they follow staggered summer schedules. Safety rules remain paramount, with facilities remaining open during rain unless lifeguards cannot see the bottom of the pool. Any sign of lightning results in immediate closure, underscoring the importance of lifeguard authority and adherence to pool regulations, which include restrictions on food, beverages, and glass containers.
Moreover, district leadership has prioritized parks and recreation, evidenced by Mayor Bowser’s announcement that D.C.’s park system has been ranked first for the fourth consecutive year. Ongoing funding of $5 million is allocated for spray park upgrades as part of the fiscal year 2024 budget, along with plans for constructing new pools and refurbishing existing facilities.
As the community awaits further decisions regarding the River Ridge Pool closure, the importance of local pools for recreational purposes becomes increasingly apparent. The future of swimming facilities in Georgetown will largely depend on the outcome of the city’s fiscal considerations and the need to balance community resources effectively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgetown City Announces Memorial Day Closures and Events
Additional Resources
- Community Impact News
- Wikipedia: River Ridge Pool
- Hello Georgetown
- Google Search: Georgetown Memorial Day Closures
- Community Impact News
- Google Scholar: Georgetown Pools Closure
- The Georgetowner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown Swimming Pools
- WTOP News
- Google News: DC Area Labor Day Closures