Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud announced has waived all admission fees to the city’s community pools for all Dearborn children 13 and under. He said that as a child (center), his family couldn’t afford a family pool pass, and that his initiative expands equity and access to the city’s public goods.
Move inspired by access challenges Hammoud experienced as a child
DEARBORN – Mayor Abdullah Hammoud announced has waived all admission fees to the city’s community pools for all Dearborn children 13 and under, part of an initiative to expand equity and access to the city’s public goods.
The benefit, reserved for Dearborn residents, waives the previous fee of $55 per child.
Residents still need to obtain a pool tag and can do so by visiting the service desk at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., or between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Residents call also obtain tags at Dunworth Memorial Pool.
Proof of residency is required, and can include a driver’s license (of a parent or guardian) or a school identification. Five pool tags can be issued per ID.
The initiative was designed by Hammoud, and takes inspiration from his own childhood. He released a statement announcing the change:
“Growing up, going to the community pool everyday was not an option for my siblings and I,” he said. “The cost of the daily admission for multiple children was too much, and the one-time cost for a family pass wasn’t something my parents could afford at the time.
“Rather than swim at the pool, we used to fill up drink coolers and lay in them in our driveway. Although we enjoyed that tradition, as children, we never fully grasped why we didn’t just go to the pool.
“Today, I’m proud to announce that we have waived all pool admissions for children 13 and under. This is a small initiative that we believe will have a big impact. Let’s make sure that every child who is eager to swim, has the opportunity to do so.
“Stay cool, be safe, and enjoy our pools.”