Marker Unveiled At Site Of Historic Swimming Pool

By Staff, 07/6/17 3:04 PM

HOPE – A dedication ceremony was held Thursday July 6th at the site of the former swimming pool at City Park (commonly referred to as Northside Park).

The pool was dedicated in August of 1960 and was the first swimming pool for African Americans in small-town Arkansas. The pool operated for 43 years and in the beginning was so popular it attracted swimmers from as far away as El Dorado and Marshall, Texas.

The man who was most responsible for the pool’s construction was on hand to unveil the marker. Dr. Roscoe Smith served as City Park’s first recreation director and worked tirelessly with local officials to make the pool a reality.

The dedication drew a good crowd to the park with many in town for the Yerger Reunion coming out for the dedication.