What Happened
A Sudden Announcement with Lasting Consequences
On February 28, 2026, the City announced Freedom Hall Pool — built in 1974 — will permanently close on April 3, 2026, citing end-of-life conditions.
The pool is the only indoor competitive aquatics facility in Johnson City, serving the Barracuda Swim Club, Science Hill High School, and Johnson City Middle Schools.
Families have relocated to Johnson City specifically for this swim program. This closure disrupts lives that were built around it.
The City estimates repairs would cost ~$750,000 for only 8–10 more years of operation — calling it a 'band-aid' — yet has offered no immediate replacement plan.
The only alternative offered — Memorial Park Community Center — has no starting blocks and insufficient deck space for competition.
From the Pool Deck
A Message from Coach Chris
Freedom Hall Pool Update — March 2, 2026
Thank you to everyone for the passion and concern that you have shown regarding the Freedom Hall Pool announcement on Friday. Also thank you for allowing me to get back into town and work on the issue.
Today, I did get to meet very briefly with Steve Willis, Assistant City Manager. I have scheduled a meeting with him and the head City Manager, Cathy Ball, next week. I also was able to represent our interests in an interview with WJHL-TV. Furthermore, I have solicited information from several pool manufacturing companies about possible short- or medium-range options.
Reassure your children that we are still going to have a team after April 3. I know some swimmers expressed this concern to me at practice today. This was day one in the process. There are still questions to ask, answers to get, and avenues to explore.
GO BARRACUDAS! — Coach Chris
Why It Matters
The Real Cost of Closing
Youth Athletic Development
The Barracuda Swim Club, Science Hill High School, and Johnson City Middle Schools all depend on Freedom Hall Pool for daily practice and home meets. Hundreds of young athletes will lose their training home.
Economic Impact
A single regional swim meet generates an estimated $145,000 in direct local economic activity. Nearby Kingsport reported nearly $1 million in monthly impact from four collegiate championships. Johnson City is walking away from this.
Public Safety
Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the #2 cause for ages 5–14 (CDC). Formal swim lessons reduce drowning risk by 88%. Closing the only competitive pool limits access to life-saving programming.
Community Investment
Families moved to Johnson City for this program. The City's own Comprehensive Plan calls for a modern 50-meter indoor pool to host regional meets. Closing Freedom Hall without a bridge plan abandons that vision.
No Adequate Alternative
Memorial Park Community Center's lap pool has no starting blocks and limited deck space — it cannot host competitive meets. The City's own aquatics RFP acknowledged this. Redirecting teams there is not a solution.
A False Economy
$750,000 buys 8–10 more years — but a modular bridge pool ($1.5–2M) could serve teams while a permanent modern facility is built. Doing nothing costs more in the long run.
Recommended by Coach Chris
Take Action Now
These are the steps Coach Chris has identified as most effective. Every voice matters — especially yours.
Email the City Commission
Write a personal, civil email to each commissioner. Coach Chris asks that you be honest and heartfelt — share what this program means to your family. You don't need to hit every talking point; your authentic story is the most powerful message.
Suggested Talking Points
The need to prioritize aquatic programming in the city's fiscal spending — both short-term and into the future. The recently completed Aquatics Feasibility Study emphasizes residents' desire for upgraded facilities and the benefits of aquatic programs.
The personal value your children and family have received through participation in the Barracuda Swim Club, Science Hill High School, and/or Johnson City Middle School swim programs. Be honest and heartfelt.
The success of club and school swimming programs — and the desire to continue and build on those successes.
The need for both immediate and long-range solutions. Even if the city reverses course and funds repairs, the timeline could be 9 months of downtime — and the renovated pool may only last 5–10 more years.
Reach Out Personally
If you know any of the commissioners personally — through church, school, business, or community — reach out directly. A personal conversation carries enormous weight. Don't underestimate your relationship.
Attend Thursday's Commission Meeting
Show up in force this Thursday. While the pool is not on the agenda (so public comment won't be possible), a packed room of Barracuda and SHHS Swim & Dive families sends an unmistakable message.
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location
Municipal and Safety Building 601 E. Main St., Johnson City, TN
Wear
Barracuda or SHHS Swim & Dive apparel
Share This Page
The more people who know, the more pressure the City Commission feels. Share this page with every swim family, neighbor, and community member you know. Post it on social media. Send it to local news outlets.
Contact Them Directly
Johnson City Commission
Email all five commissioners. Be civil, be personal, and be persistent. Click any email to open your mail app, or copy the address directly.
Greg Cox
Mayor
Jenny Brock
Vice-Mayor
Todd Fowler
Commissioner
Whitney Goetz
Commissioner
Joe Wise
Commissioner
Our Position
What We're Asking the City to Do
Publish a Bridge Plan
Immediately announce an interim lane-water plan for 2026–27 — whether through repair, a modular pool, or a partner facility — so athletes are not left without a home.
Release the Feasibility Study
Make the aquatics feasibility study deliverables public: demand analysis, capital estimates, and the 3-year pro forma the RFP required. Families deserve to see the full picture.
Quantify the Impact
Publish swimmer rosters, lesson enrollments, waitlists, annual pool hours by user group, the meet calendar, and estimated hotel pickup within 30 days.
Commit to a Long-Term Facility
Honor the City's own Comprehensive Plan, which calls for a modern indoor 50-meter pool to host regional meets. This is an investment in Johnson City's future, not a luxury.