Irving Pool opening ‘a momentous occasion’ for Allentown's East Side

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown threw open the gates to its newest pool Friday, with a huge crowd of East Siders taking advantage to beat the heat.

Irving Pool at Andre Reed Park hit capacity — more than 250 people — just after 4 p.m. with scores of hopeful swimmers lined up around the facility.

Its temporary “one out, one in” policy was announced as local officials, many in their swimsuits, thanked a slew of people and organizations who helped bring a pool back to the East Side.

Parks and Recreation Director Mandy Tolino said she was “absolutely thrilled” to welcome residents to the new pool near where the park’s old pool was filled in several years ago.

That pool was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration and was no longer up to code.

Construction crews broke ground on the new Irving Pool last June after officials held a “dirt-tossing” ceremony.

The $2.8 million pool was funded with state and federal money, as well as $1.2 million from Allentown’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“The East Side has a pool again, and I’m so excited we got that done,” Tolino said.

'Wonderful addition' to Allentown

City Council President Cynthia Mota, who helped push through that ARPA funding, called Friday’s pool reopening event “a momentous occasion” for Allentown’s East Side.

The new pool will be a “hub” for families, friends and the community to gather and “cherish the moments we share together,” she said, calling the pool ” a wonderful place.”

“As we officially declare the Irving Pool open, I invite each and every one of you to jump in, splash and bask in the sun,” Mota said. “Let us make the most of this wonderful addition to our community and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.”

She asked everyone who uses the pool to “respect the facility and follow the rules” to help keep it a “safe and welcoming environment” for all.

Jason Addy

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LehighValleyNews.com

Mayor Matt Tuerk said he wanted to keep his speech brief so people could get to the “party happening behind us,” but that goal was hampered by the long list of officials and agencies he thanked for helping make the pool a reality.

“Now turn around and give yourself a round of applause,” Tuerk told residents and others gathered near the gates. “This is an incredible community; look at this amazing group of people at the pool.”

After a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, several local officials — including Tuerk and state Rep. Josh Siegel, D-Lehigh — took a turn in a dunk tank at a small block party on East Tilghman Street.

There, Tino Babayan, a vocal East Side advocate and 2023 city council candidate, paid tribute to former Mayor Ray O’Connell for kick-starting the project.

“If it wasn’t for him, this would’ve never happened,” Babayan said.