Happy birthday, Dunworth Pool!
The Dearborn community pool complex, located at , has gone through some changes since opening in 1942–new structures, new names, and the absence of the "sandy bottom."
But on Thursday at 6 p.m., residents are invited to come to the complex's 70th anniversary event, celebrating the one thing that hasn't changed: Dearborn families and children having fun in the pool.
The Dearborn Recreation and Parks Department event includes free swimming till dusk, complimentary hot dogs and cake plus a “Funk and Dunk Concert” by the Bomb Squad.
Free hot dogs and pop will be available from 7 until 9:30 p.m. with complimentary cake served following Mayor O’Reilly’s congratulatory remarks at 8 p.m.
The pool deck will be open until 10 p.m. Pool rules apply.
The History of Dunworth Pool
Renovations, name changes, major events–here's a look at the Dunworth Pool historic timeline.
1940: Local officials select the 40-acre site located near Cherry Hill and Telegraph roads for the first-of-its-kind, city-owned outdoor pool.
1942: The pool is opened as Seashore Pool, boasting a sand beach and Olympic-sized swimming area. It immediately becomes a popular place for residents to spend their summers.
1948: The pool is refurbished, and reported to have the best health safeguards in the country.
1959: During one July weekend, a local newspaper reported a weekend attendance of more than 15,000 people.
1970s: The sand beaches are replaced, and in 1976, then Mayor Orville Hubbard dedicates an enhanced pool complex that includes a 45-by-60 foot diving tank; a 50-meter main tank of 75-by-165 feet; a fan-shaped wading pool and a renovated bathhouse.
1988: The Levagood Park pool is renamed as the Jack Dunworth Memorial Pool Complex to honor swim coach and teacher Jack Dunworth. He also, for many years, managed Seashore pool, and co-founded the Dearborn Dolphins swim team.
Countless generations of Dearborn residents learned to swim at classes offered by the Recreation Department at the Levagood Park pool. Others joined swim teams, participated in water exercise, enjoyed sun bathing on the deck or watched annual competitions.
In 2012, events held at Dunworth Pool included the prestigious U.S.S. Annual Swim meet, annual City Swimming Championships and annual Synchronized Swim Show.
For more information on the anniversary event, call 313-562-0215.
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Mike & Therese