PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The effort to reopen the Westside Pool in Philadelphia is picking up speed. The group behind the project has now raised $88,000. Also, the Lowe’s store in Philadelphia gave several thousand dollars in supplies and labor this past weekend.
The Westside Pool Association is a nonprofit group working to fix and reopen the pool. The pool on the city’s west side has been closed for more than 10 years.
“To date we have raised $88,000 so we are over the halfway goal,” said David Carter, president of the association.
Lowe’s lends a hand
On Saturday, Oct. 24, Lowe’s workers joined pool volunteers and a city leader at the pool. Carter shared the news in a social media post.
“Saturday was a great day at the Westside Pool thanks to Lowe’s Philadelphia and their community spirit,” Carter wrote.
Carter said the store gave several thousand dollars in materials and labor. Here is some of what they brought:
- LED ceiling lights and new tile for the changing rooms and bathrooms
- Picnic tables and trash cans
- Fire extinguishers
- Security cameras and lights
- Clothes hook racks and storage cabinets
- Cleaning products and other supplies
- Rose bushes as a finishing touch
Carter also thanked store manager Tameka Wilson for giving back to the community.
Lowe’s workers TK Donald, Viola Prince and Markeith Stafford helped with the work. Ayan Whitlock and Zac Willis of the pool association were there too. Eric Williams came out to help Carter with the heavy lifting.
Ward 4 Alderman Shaun Seales also lent a hand. He pulled weeds around the property.
Where the money stands
The total goal is still $150,000. However, Carter now says the group needs $130,000 before it can hire a contractor and start repairs. The last $20,000 will go toward costs to run the pool.
So the group still needs about $42,000 before repair work can begin.
Repairs on the list include new drains, loose tile, new plaster, and new pumps and filters. The kiddie pool next door needs work too. On top of that, the group must pay for fencing, safety gear, utilities, insurance and lifeguards.
Carter said businesses across the city have helped. “Community support has been overwhelming with nearly every business, bank, and attorney stepping up to fund this project,” Carter said. “And it really means so much to see all of the support.”
Planning for the future
The group is also thinking ahead. Carter said they are looking for grants to help pay for the pool once it opens. In particular, they are looking at grants for teaching kids to swim.
That fits the group’s main goal of free swimming lessons for children.
“This is not recreation,” Carter told Queen City Newsfeed in February. “This is a life skill.”
The push comes after twin brothers Jamarion and Camarion Grady drowned at Lake Pushmataha in April 2025. The association has talked about naming the pool in their memory.
In February, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted to give the pool to the association. The group then got the deed in March. However, there is a catch. The property goes back to the city if the pool is not open for swimming within two years. Meanwhile, the park and community center around the pool still belong to the city.
Fundraisers on the way
The group has already held fundraisers, including a recent golf tournament. Next, they are planning a basketball tournament with alumni from Philadelphia and Neshoba Central. Carter said it should happen soon.
How you can help
“Every dollar counts,” Carter said. “No donation amount is too small.”
The Westside Pool Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. That means gifts are tax deductible. You can give in a few ways:
- Make a deposit to the Westside Pool Association account at any branch of The Citizens Bank.
- Buy an engraved Legacy Brick online. A gift of $500 to $999 gets a 4×8 brick. A gift of $1,000 or more gets an 8×8 brick.
- Visit the group’s website at westsidepoolassociation.com for more details.
- Call (601) 663-6240 or (601) 728-0311.
You can also join the group. Meetings are on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. They are held in the back room of the Booker T School. Meetings are open to the public, and anyone can join. The next one is Saturday, Nov. 14.
