RESOLUTION NO. 230708

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Sponsor: Councilmember Ryana Parks-Shaw

RESOLUTION - Recognizing the historical value of the Swope Park Swimming Pool Complex; directing the City Manager to develop a funding strategy to preserve and renovate Swope Park Swimming Pool Complex by identifying potential funding sources; and reporting back within 45 days.

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WHEREAS, the Swope Park Swimming Pool Complex was constructed in 1941 through funding provided by the Works Progress Administration; and

WHEREAS, on June 20, 1951, six African American residents were denied entry to the Swope Park Swimming Pool on the basis of race; and

WHEREAS, on August 2, 1951, the Kansas City branch of the NAACP filed a federal lawsuit to require the Swope Park Swimming Pool be open to African Americans; and

WHEREAS, on May 7, 1952, district Judge Ridge held that segregation would have to be eliminated or an equal pool be constructed for African Americans in Swope Park; and

WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of the United States subsequently upheld the decision, resulting in the Kansas City Parks Board announcing a new policy that admittance to Swope Park Swimming Pool would not be restricted on the basis of race; and

WHEREAS, City Council has a desire to acknowledge and respect the historical value of Swope Park Swimming Pool and a desire to review options for potential preservation and restoration in the hopes that the Swope Park Swimming Pool can be enjoyed by current and future generations of Kansas Citians; NOW, THEREFORE;

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

Section 1. That the City Manager is hereby directed to develop a funding plan to provide for the preservation and restoration of the historic Swope Park Swimming Pool Complex.

Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby directed to identify potential funding sources for the preservation and restoration of the historical Swo...

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