Press Release, July 14, 2025
Photos taken at Pier Pool on July 14, 2025
Pier Pool in North Portland reopens to the public today after being closed last summer due to a lack of city maintenance. The reopening of the pool comes after strong advocacy from Friends of Pier Park and community members who urged Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) to make the necessary repairs and prioritize equity in access to public spaces.
Located in one of Portland’s historically underserved neighborhoods, Pier Pool is one of just seven outdoor public pools operated by PP&R. Its closure in 2024, after only one week open and days before a significant heat event, highlighted long-standing concerns around environmental justice and disparities in park investment across the city; Columbia Pool, an indoor pool also in North Portland, was closed in 2021. Community members at a Pool Party hosted by Friends of Pier Park last year voiced frustration that North Portland families would be left without access to a vital cooling and recreational resource during record-breaking summers.
This opening is a victory for equity, for climate justice, for our neighborhood, and for everyone who believes our parks and public spaces need to be maintained for all Portlanders. We’re thrilled to see kids and families back in the pool, but we also know this cannot be another one-time fix.”
Stephanie LaMonica, Vice Chair of Friends of Pier Park
Pier Pool’s infrastructure tells a unique story of resilience. Now 84 years old, it relies on a refurbished World War II-era pump salvaged from a Victory Ship to keep the water circulating. While this makes the pool a beloved piece of local history, it also underscores the urgent need for sustainable investment in long-term maintenance of Portland’s aging park facilities.
As City Hall considers final provisions for the Parks Levy before it heads to City Council this week, advocates are calling for a robust, clearly defined, and sustainable capital maintenance component to prevent future closures and ensure equitable access citywide.
The reopening of Pier Pool is a reminder of what’s possible when community voices are heard, but it also serves as a wake-up call: without a strong, sustained investment in maintenance, we risk losing more than just a swimming pool—we lose community trust and shared spaces that keep our city livable.”
Mary Ann Aschenbrenner, a founding member of Friends of Pier Park
Pier Pool is open for summer programming and recreational swimming starting today. Friends of Pier Park will be at the pool today from 11:30-1:30 collecting smiley faces for a Thank You card to the City. Other Portland Pools opened on June 20th. For hours and programming details, visit https://www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/pools .
