On Tuesday, May 24, Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and members of the Slidell City Council gathered at Possum Hollow Park to rename the city pool the Lionel J. Washington Community Pool. Mr. Washington’s family also joined city administrators for the dedication ceremony.
“Lionel wasa trailblazer and a pioneer in our community,” said Cromer, “He was the first African-American person on the Slidell City Council. He served on the council for 24 years and was as an educator with St. Tammany Parish Public School System for 35 years. He was instrumental in getting the CDBG money for this community pool back in the 1980s. Swimming and water safety education were important projects for Lionel and this pool that he helped bring to our city adds to his legacy in our community.”
COX Business also made a donation to the Slidell Boys and Girls Club to assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the community pool.
“We are dedicated to creating meaningful partnerships with the City of Slidell and the community. The Boys and Girls Club plays a vital role in providing safe and educational environments where students can connect with one another,” said Leigh King, Vice President of Cox Business Louisiana. “Some of the best memories for adults were created spending time at their community pools, and Cox is excited that we could invest in making summer fun for children.”
“We are grateful to COX for the investment they have made in Slidell,” said Cromer. “We look forward to a continuing partnership with COX for the benefit of our community.”
The Lionel J. Washington Community Pool opens at 12 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. The pool is open during the summer, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 12 to 6 p.m. The cost is $1 per person.
Group swim lessons through Lakeside Swim Club are also available at the community pool for $125 for six lessons. For more information, please call Nicole Beebe at (228) 363-2601.
