Protest Against Sudden Closure of UM-Flint Pool

Community Fights to Save University Pool

In Flint, Michigan, a growing movement is taking place as students and longtime community members rally to save the pool at the University of Michigan-Flint. The facility, which has been a cornerstone for recreation and fitness, is set to close in just three days. This news has sparked a wave of concern among those who have relied on the pool for decades.

Tammy Beckett-Reese, a long-time resident and alumna of the university, has been swimming at the pool since 1979. She expressed her frustration over the decision, noting that the closure comes at a particularly difficult time. “The Y isn’t even open right now and won’t be open for some months,” she said. “I looked at Lapeer, and they’re shut down for a month. I looked at some of these other places and they’re just way too expensive.”

For many, the pool is more than just a place to swim—it’s a vital part of their daily routine and social life. Sia Hayes, a first-year student in the doctor of physical therapy program, shared how the pool has played a significant role in her academic and personal journey. “I was very excited when I got accepted to this program, and I knew that they had a pool because I was able to stay on the University of Michigan triathlon team while going to school here,” she said. “So I’ve been able to do my training and I’ve gotten to meet all these wonderful people who love the pool just as much as I do.”

Hayes noted that she used the pool two to three times a week. “I couldn’t believe that they were taking away, like, such a great community,” she added. The closure has left her feeling disheartened, especially since the cost of using an alternative facility is a burden she can’t easily bear. “I’m paying, like, $50,000 a year for school, and this is supposed to be included in my tuition,” she said. “So, for me, to have to pay out of pocket to go somewhere else is pretty hard right now.”

The impact of the pool closure extends beyond students. Seniors who participate in the “Silver Sneakers” program through Medicare also rely on the facility. For them, the nearest alternative is the Lapeer Community Center, but it’s not a convenient option. Shelly Spivack, a Flint resident, criticized the university for not seeking input from the community before making the decision. “That’s the thing that really annoys me the most is that they did not seek any kind of input as to alternatives or what we value about this university,” she said.

According to a letter sent to rec center members and the campus community, the closure is part of a broader master plan and space evaluation. The university stated that the pool requires substantial updates, from cosmetic improvements to critical repairs. They also mentioned that current usage data influenced the decision to redirect resources toward other recreational services that better align with student interests and needs.

However, many feel that the financial aspect is being overlooked. Beckett-Reese pointed out that it would cost millions of dollars to tear out the existing infrastructure. “So it doesn’t seem to mean that the cost factor is what’s going on here to abandon the community and students and take out this absolute jewel of a pool,” she said.

With the pool set to close its doors for good on July 26th, the community is scrambling to find solutions. The university has allocated $150,000 for rec center upgrades for the upcoming academic year, with more details expected soon. Pro-rated refunds are available until October 31 for annual members, but lifetime members have no refundable value available.

As the deadline approaches, the fight to save the pool continues. Protesters are urging the university to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the importance of the facility to the community. Their message is clear: the pool is more than just a building—it’s a cherished part of their lives.