By Kali Morgan, Summer 2024

Marian Anderson Pool is at 740 S. 17th St., 19146.
Phone: (215) 685-6594
Marian Anderson Recreation Center Facebook (last update 2023)

Unique polygonal pool (see image after map)
Stairs required for pool deck entry from street (or via ramp thru rec center)
Ladders for water entry/exit
Depth: 3 to 5 feet
Sunny, water warm; significantly cooler in shade (leaves often in pool)
Grassy rest area on pool deck similar to Kelly Pool
Partially shaded by trees resulting in cooler water and leaves

#MyPhillyPoolTour2024
JULY 18, 2024
Marian Anderson Pool is a real South Philly treasure at 17th and Catharine. Just outside of Center City, this little slice of heaven includes a relatively long, irregularly shaped pool that goes from 3 feet to 5 feet deep.
This was my first visit back in a while, so I wanted to make careful notes. The pool entrance has stairs to get to the pool deck from the sidewalk, making it not very accessible, but the rec center and the restrooms are technically ADA accessible, and there is a gate from the rec center to the pool.
I brought my South Philly buddy who had never been here, and it was (as always) a treat for both of us. This pool used to have more furniture as a #SwimPhilly location (according the the City’s site it still is, though the only evidence is some deck paint and planters). Even without fancy furniture though, this pool deck has great infrastructure for sitting and a lovely grassy area where you can lay out, play or stow your belongings.
There is a dedicated group of neighbors who use the space for fun in the sun, including sunbathing, and bring chairs and snacks, etc. Staff was not too uptight about bags or food on the pool deck and adjacent lawn, nor were they especially uptight about a dress code (wearing t-shirts, etc). It was so relaxing. So nice to be back at this urban country-club style pool in #SouthPhilly.
This is another old haunt of mine where I used to take Aqua Zumba, and I called here in June to learn opening dates and in hopes of more Zumba scheduled for this year. But I was informed the classes have moved to other pools for the 2024 season, so I moved my pursuit to those locations.
Unfortunately, there’s no accessibility equipment here, and no stairs into the water.
The water feels noticeably cooler at the end of the pool where the tree provides shade but otherwise temperate and quite pleasant.
There were people swimming partial laps across the pool, but it would be a huge bonus if they dedicated at least one lane like Markward Playground and O’Connor Pool does, or even more like they do at Kelly Pool Fairmount Park for swimmers who are looking to work out (and even prepare for a possible future as a much-needed lifeguard in our city). The culture here is similar to the culture at O’Connor Pool today — except with grass and no lawn chairs/umbrellas.

Because of the trees there were some leaves and a couple of acorns at the bottom of the pool, which I scooped up and threw to the side during my half hour here.