FRIENDS OF BOISE HISTORIC POOLS
IMPORTANT UPDATES:
5-25-23 - Our historic pools turn 70 this year! Join us for a celebration on June 13th. Details and RSVP HERE!
9-2-22 - The Lowell and South Pools were entered into the National Register of Historic Places today!!! We are so grateful for the support of the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office. We must remember that this designation does not save our pools from demolition, but it reinforces to our community their value as cherished pieces of Boise’s history and of Wesley Bintz pools in the United States. Well done, team! Lowell Listing Packet | South Listing Packet
Why Preservation Matters
The City of Boise closed Lowell and South Pools in 2020. These two pools were the only two city pools that didn't re-open in 2021. Citing structural and ADA issues, the City is now doing community outreach to decide their fate.
Designed by architect Wesley Bintz, they are two of roughly 17 remaining examples of his work nationwide. Fewer than 17 are operational.
The Lowell and South pools were the first publicly-owned swimming pools in Boise, and today they are the city's oldest. Their historic beauty is defined by their Streamline Moderne style.
They are a tourist destination for historians and preservationists.
They are Boise's "sister pools," two true turquoise gems set in the sterling of our city.
They are spaces where the summer sun baked happy memories into the lives of generations of Boise residents.The longer these pools sit unused, the more they deteriorate, the more it costs to rehab them, and more neighbors forget what it was like to have them as part of our lives.
Join our efforts to help restore and preserve these pools for future generations! Structural reports, cost estimates, and community survey information can be found here.
SOUTH POOL | 1953
LOWELL POOL | 1953
Meet the Architect
Wesley Bintz was a native of Lansing, Michigan, who designed and patented a unique above-ground pool design. The patented "Bintz Pool" was "25% to 40% cheaper to build than a sunken pool and bath house of equal size, permanence, and details.” With fewer land and excavation requirements, the Bintz design sought to bring the benefits of aquatic recreation to cities throughout the country.
Beginning in 1919, around 70 Bintz pools were constructed nationwide. Of the roughly 17 that remain, Boise is fortunate enough to have two!
Given that they are all similar in age, cities across the U.S. have found themselves in similar predicaments. Fayetteville, MO completed a restoration of their Memorial Pool, and the Bintz pool in Chaffee, MO has just added a new feature to help increase accessibility. The people in Bintz's hometown of Lansing have fought to preserve theirs as well, but so very many more have been lost to time.
Check out the Wesley Bintz Swimming Pool Network on Facebook for more Bintz Pool History.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Let's Celebrate - Boise's Historic Pools Turn 70!
JUNE 13 | 5:00-7:00 PM | Boise City Hall
Help us celebrate the 70th birthday of Lowell and South Pools and joyfully remind City Council how much we miss these community icons! Wear your swimsuit or other festive attire, bring a floatie and a sign, and let's celebrate these Boise icons!
Background:
The City of Boise closed Lowell and South Pools in 2020. These two pools were the only two city pools that didn't re-open in 2021. Citing structural and ADA issues, the City is now doing community outreach to decide their fate.
Designed by architect Wesley Bintz, they are two of roughly 17 remaining examples of his work nationwide. Fewer than 17 are operational.
The Lowell and South pools were the first publicly-owned swimming pools in Boise, and today they are the city's oldest. Their historic beauty is defined by their Streamline Moderne style.
They are a tourist destination for historians and preservationists.
They are Boise's "sister pools," two true turquoise gems set in the sterling of our city.
They are spaces where the summer sun baked happy memories into the lives of generations of Boise residents.The longer these pools sit unused, the more they deteriorate, the more it costs to rehab them, and more neighbors forget what it was like to have them as part of our lives.