Kenney refrains from making a splash in launching city’s pool season

Philadelphia’s swimming pools are officially open for the summer, but opening day was a missing a signature mayoral event to inaugurate the summer season.

Mayor Jim Kenney was on hand to officiate at the opening of the Max Myers Recreation Center pool in Northeast Philadelphia, but he was decked out in a  business suit instead of a bathing suit.  I asked him why he didn’t follow Philly tradition — and the example of previous mayors — and take a plunge into the pool.

“The schedule is really hectic today, and I have three things after it,” said the first-year mayor. “And for me to get dressed, undressed, jump in a pool, get dressed again … we’re just running from one spot to another.

“And I don’t think anyone wants to see me with a bathing suit on.”  

Taking a look at a celebrated photo of former Mayor Ed Rendell leaping into the pool reaffirmed Kenney’s decision.

“I’ve kind of gotten that out of my brain until you showed me the picture again, but now it’s back in there,” Kenney said. “It’s interesting.”

The Department of Parks and Recreation operates more than 70 pools every summer in neighborhoods across the City. Residents can find listings for pools by neighborhood.

The Department of Parks & Recreation operates more than seventy pools every summer in neighborhoods across the City.  Residents can find listings for pools by neighborhood at www.phila.gov/pools