The PG Pool is racist [MD]

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Most MoCo pools have neighborhood or zip code restrictions. That is, you need to live close to the pool to be a member. That’s how it works with the one our family goes to. If you buy a house in the neighborhood, you can join the list or the home’s seller can pass on their membership to you. You can’t pass on your membership to a family member who lives outside the neighborhood.

It sounds like the issue with PGP is that the pool is dominated by outsiders from DC and MoCo. No way will that group be incentivized to change the by-laws to prioritize neighborhood residents or disallow passing down their membership to a family member. Essentially, you have a pool that’s been colonized by outsiders.

Ugly optics.

The pool is very close to the border with DC. Disallowing people from DC wouldn't actually make sense if you're trying for a neighborhood pool. Adding zip code restrictions to nearby zip codes would make more sense, but it could be argued that DC residents in nearby neighborhoods that are closer to the pool are more part of the neighborhood than people in Hyattsville who live nowhere near the pool.

Umm... DC folks don't even live in the same city, county, or state as this pool. This all sounds very colonial.

Well, DC doesn't even have a state, or voting representation in congress, so tell me again who is colonized?

I support DC statehood and also would like the black and brown children in my MtR neighborhood to have a place to swim and cool off during this heatwave.

Are there not public pools in PG county?

There are three public pools within 2 miles of the PG Pool. One is an outdoor splash pool that is only 1 mile away. In addition, the apartments across the street from PG Pool have their own pool. That's four pools within walking/biking distance, and yet, that is not enough. PG Pool seemingly must prioritize the anointed and blessed residents of Mt. Rainier who must be able access all pools whenever they want.

I'd like to apologize to my fellow neighbors in Mount Rainier for these kinds of posts. It makes our pool seem exclusive and not part of the community. I'm personally embarrassed by them and think we need to find ways to engage our community, not look down on it. -PGP member since '02

It IS exclusive because it’s members only. And that is ok! People pay a lot of money to enjoy the grounds and pool, like they pay for any amenity. There are free options available as well. As long as the pool isn’t engaging in descriminatory practices, it’s fine to enjoy the pool you pay for. You don’t need to apologize for trolls. We all know they don’t represent Mt Rainier or the pool.

I don't know if you live here or not, but you're not helping things by declaring that the pool is exclusive. These are my neighbors and I don't want them to think I'm part of some exclusive club and they aren't.

But you are. You belong so you can use the pool; they don’t belong so they can’t. It’s the definition of exclusive. Doesn’t make it racist though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most MoCo pools have neighborhood or zip code restrictions. That is, you need to live close to the pool to be a member. That’s how it works with the one our family goes to. If you buy a house in the neighborhood, you can join the list or the home’s seller can pass on their membership to you. You can’t pass on your membership to a family member who lives outside the neighborhood.

It sounds like the issue with PGP is that the pool is dominated by outsiders from DC and MoCo. No way will that group be incentivized to change the by-laws to prioritize neighborhood residents or disallow passing down their membership to a family member. Essentially, you have a pool that’s been colonized by outsiders.

Ugly optics.

The pool is very close to the border with DC. Disallowing people from DC wouldn't actually make sense if you're trying for a neighborhood pool. Adding zip code restrictions to nearby zip codes would make more sense, but it could be argued that DC residents in nearby neighborhoods that are closer to the pool are more part of the neighborhood than people in Hyattsville who live nowhere near the pool.

Umm... DC folks don't even live in the same city, county, or state as this pool. This all sounds very colonial.

Well, DC doesn't even have a state, or voting representation in congress, so tell me again who is colonized?

I support DC statehood and also would like the black and brown children in my MtR neighborhood to have a place to swim and cool off during this heatwave.

Are there not public pools in PG county?

There are three public pools within 2 miles of the PG Pool. One is an outdoor splash pool that is only 1 mile away. In addition, the apartments across the street from PG Pool have their own pool. That's four pools within walking/biking distance, and yet, that is not enough. PG Pool seemingly must prioritize the anointed and blessed residents of Mt. Rainier who must be able access all pools whenever they want.

I'd like to apologize to my fellow neighbors in Mount Rainier for these kinds of posts. It makes our pool seem exclusive and not part of the community. I'm personally embarrassed by them and think we need to find ways to engage our community, not look down on it. -PGP member since '02

It IS exclusive because it’s members only. And that is ok! People pay a lot of money to enjoy the grounds and pool, like they pay for any amenity. There are free options available as well. As long as the pool isn’t engaging in descriminatory practices, it’s fine to enjoy the pool you pay for. You don’t need to apologize for trolls. We all know they don’t represent Mt Rainier or the pool.

I don't know if you live here or not, but you're not helping things by declaring that the pool is exclusive. These are my neighbors and I don't want them to think I'm part of some exclusive club and they aren't.

But you are. You belong so you can use the pool; they don’t belong so they can’t. It’s the definition of exclusive. Doesn’t make it racist though.

This.Is.It.

Like any other club.

[Anonymous]

Black family here. We got off the waitlist about 5 years ago after being on waitlist for about 5-6 years. We have felt nothing but accepted into the community. It’s a great place to be with good community. We gave up our membership this year as our kids are into their teen years and we wanted to allow another family to get in given that we don’t go as often as we did 5 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What was the question again? That PGP is racist because it isn't diverse enough? I'm a gay man with a Black child (on the Killer Whales team!) who waited for years on the waitlist before we were admitted. We have never felt anything but accepted at PGP.

I really think this whole thread is trolling.

Probably some of it, but my neighbors really do dislike the pool and this stuff blows up on the listserv every year or so. We can keep dismissing it if we want, but our pool should really do more to not tick off the community.

What exactly does the pool do to tick off the community? Other than not allow everyone to join at once?

Yeah it comes across as bitterness and jealousy more than anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most MoCo pools have neighborhood or zip code restrictions. That is, you need to live close to the pool to be a member. That’s how it works with the one our family goes to. If you buy a house in the neighborhood, you can join the list or the home’s seller can pass on their membership to you. You can’t pass on your membership to a family member who lives outside the neighborhood.

It sounds like the issue with PGP is that the pool is dominated by outsiders from DC and MoCo. No way will that group be incentivized to change the by-laws to prioritize neighborhood residents or disallow passing down their membership to a family member. Essentially, you have a pool that’s been colonized by outsiders.

Ugly optics.

The pool is very close to the border with DC. Disallowing people from DC wouldn't actually make sense if you're trying for a neighborhood pool. Adding zip code restrictions to nearby zip codes would make more sense, but it could be argued that DC residents in nearby neighborhoods that are closer to the pool are more part of the neighborhood than people in Hyattsville who live nowhere near the pool.

Umm... DC folks don't even live in the same city, county, or state as this pool. This all sounds very colonial.

Well, DC doesn't even have a state, or voting representation in congress, so tell me again who is colonized?

I support DC statehood and also would like the black and brown children in my MtR neighborhood to have a place to swim and cool off during this heatwave.

Are there not public pools in PG county?

There are three public pools within 2 miles of the PG Pool. One is an outdoor splash pool that is only 1 mile away. In addition, the apartments across the street from PG Pool have their own pool. That's four pools within walking/biking distance, and yet, that is not enough. PG Pool seemingly must prioritize the anointed and blessed residents of Mt. Rainier who must be able access all pools whenever they want.

I'd like to apologize to my fellow neighbors in Mount Rainier for these kinds of posts. It makes our pool seem exclusive and not part of the community. I'm personally embarrassed by them and think we need to find ways to engage our community, not look down on it. -PGP member since '02

It IS exclusive because it’s members only. And that is ok! People pay a lot of money to enjoy the grounds and pool, like they pay for any amenity. There are free options available as well. As long as the pool isn’t engaging in descriminatory practices, it’s fine to enjoy the pool you pay for. You don’t need to apologize for trolls. We all know they don’t represent Mt Rainier or the pool.

I don't know if you live here or not, but you're not helping things by declaring that the pool is exclusive. These are my neighbors and I don't want them to think I'm part of some exclusive club and they aren't.

Agree you should give up your membership if you feel guilty about it.

+1. You’d be doing a google d thing for the community, PP.

[Anonymous]

*good

[Anonymous]

The PG Pool is super low class, dingy, and gross. Super muddy. Would never beg to be a member nor "fight" for equality in this mudpit. Keyword: superscam

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The PG Pool is super low class, dingy, and gross. Super muddy. Would never beg to be a member nor "fight" for equality in this mudpit. Keyword: superscam

WTF, Muddy? Have you ever even been there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Black family here. We got off the waitlist about 5 years ago after being on waitlist for about 5-6 years. We have felt nothing but accepted into the community. It’s a great place to be with good community. We gave up our membership this year as our kids are into their teen years and we wanted to allow another family to get in given that we don’t go as often as we did 5 years ago.

That was very nice of you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The PG Pool is super low class, dingy, and gross. Super muddy. Would never beg to be a member nor "fight" for equality in this mudpit. Keyword: superscam

Ok, number 3786 on the waitlist

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most MoCo pools have neighborhood or zip code restrictions. That is, you need to live close to the pool to be a member. That’s how it works with the one our family goes to. If you buy a house in the neighborhood, you can join the list or the home’s seller can pass on their membership to you. You can’t pass on your membership to a family member who lives outside the neighborhood.

It sounds like the issue with PGP is that the pool is dominated by outsiders from DC and MoCo. No way will that group be incentivized to change the by-laws to prioritize neighborhood residents or disallow passing down their membership to a family member. Essentially, you have a pool that’s been colonized by outsiders.

Ugly optics.

The pool is very close to the border with DC. Disallowing people from DC wouldn't actually make sense if you're trying for a neighborhood pool. Adding zip code restrictions to nearby zip codes would make more sense, but it could be argued that DC residents in nearby neighborhoods that are closer to the pool are more part of the neighborhood than people in Hyattsville who live nowhere near the pool.

Umm... DC folks don't even live in the same city, county, or state as this pool. This all sounds very colonial.

Well, DC doesn't even have a state, or voting representation in congress, so tell me again who is colonized?

I support DC statehood and also would like the black and brown children in my MtR neighborhood to have a place to swim and cool off during this heatwave.

Are there not public pools in PG county?

There are three public pools within 2 miles of the PG Pool. One is an outdoor splash pool that is only 1 mile away. In addition, the apartments across the street from PG Pool have their own pool. That's four pools within walking/biking distance, and yet, that is not enough. PG Pool seemingly must prioritize the anointed and blessed residents of Mt. Rainier who must be able access all pools whenever they want.

I'd like to apologize to my fellow neighbors in Mount Rainier for these kinds of posts. It makes our pool seem exclusive and not part of the community. I'm personally embarrassed by them and think we need to find ways to engage our community, not look down on it. -PGP member since '02

It IS exclusive because it’s members only. And that is ok! People pay a lot of money to enjoy the grounds and pool, like they pay for any amenity. There are free options available as well. As long as the pool isn’t engaging in descriminatory practices, it’s fine to enjoy the pool you pay for. You don’t need to apologize for trolls. We all know they don’t represent Mt Rainier or the pool.

I don't know if you live here or not, but you're not helping things by declaring that the pool is exclusive. These are my neighbors and I don't want them to think I'm part of some exclusive club and they aren't.

But you are. You belong so you can use the pool; they don’t belong so they can’t. It’s the definition of exclusive. Doesn’t make it racist though.

This.Is.It.

Like any other club.

Yep. What are the members paying for if not exclusivity? It's a low-end country club for people who get nervous around a set of Texas license plates but lack the awareness to realize that they are paying for special access to a private facility that lets in very few people. I think what this tiff shows is that there isn't a demand for more pools. There's a demand for exclusive spaces and it isn't at all about fairness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most MoCo pools have neighborhood or zip code restrictions. That is, you need to live close to the pool to be a member. That’s how it works with the one our family goes to. If you buy a house in the neighborhood, you can join the list or the home’s seller can pass on their membership to you. You can’t pass on your membership to a family member who lives outside the neighborhood.

It sounds like the issue with PGP is that the pool is dominated by outsiders from DC and MoCo. No way will that group be incentivized to change the by-laws to prioritize neighborhood residents or disallow passing down their membership to a family member. Essentially, you have a pool that’s been colonized by outsiders.

Ugly optics.

The pool is very close to the border with DC. Disallowing people from DC wouldn't actually make sense if you're trying for a neighborhood pool. Adding zip code restrictions to nearby zip codes would make more sense, but it could be argued that DC residents in nearby neighborhoods that are closer to the pool are more part of the neighborhood than people in Hyattsville who live nowhere near the pool.

Umm... DC folks don't even live in the same city, county, or state as this pool. This all sounds very colonial.

Well, DC doesn't even have a state, or voting representation in congress, so tell me again who is colonized?

I support DC statehood and also would like the black and brown children in my MtR neighborhood to have a place to swim and cool off during this heatwave.

Are there not public pools in PG county?

There are three public pools within 2 miles of the PG Pool. One is an outdoor splash pool that is only 1 mile away. In addition, the apartments across the street from PG Pool have their own pool. That's four pools within walking/biking distance, and yet, that is not enough. PG Pool seemingly must prioritize the anointed and blessed residents of Mt. Rainier who must be able access all pools whenever they want.

I'd like to apologize to my fellow neighbors in Mount Rainier for these kinds of posts. It makes our pool seem exclusive and not part of the community. I'm personally embarrassed by them and think we need to find ways to engage our community, not look down on it. -PGP member since '02

It IS exclusive because it’s members only. And that is ok! People pay a lot of money to enjoy the grounds and pool, like they pay for any amenity. There are free options available as well. As long as the pool isn’t engaging in descriminatory practices, it’s fine to enjoy the pool you pay for. You don’t need to apologize for trolls. We all know they don’t represent Mt Rainier or the pool.

I don't know if you live here or not, but you're not helping things by declaring that the pool is exclusive. These are my neighbors and I don't want them to think I'm part of some exclusive club and they aren't.

But you are. You belong so you can use the pool; they don’t belong so they can’t. It’s the definition of exclusive. Doesn’t make it racist though.

This.Is.It.

Like any other club.

Yep. What are the members paying for if not exclusivity? It's a low-end country club for people who get nervous around a set of Texas license plates but lack the awareness to realize that they are paying for special access to a private facility that lets in very few people. I think what this tiff shows is that there isn't a demand for more pools. There's a demand for exclusive spaces and it isn't at all about fairness.

If by “exclusivity” you mean “a place where I can swim a few laps and then sit by the pool and read in a lounge chair” then I guess you’re correct. I think most people who want to join a pool would like to actually use a pool. Also you can drink alcohol and grill at the PGP, which you can’t do at a public facility.

[Anonymous]

I pay for a pool because the public ones near me are overcrowded and dirty.

Not wanting to swim in filth is not racist.

[Anonymous]

The pool has days it opens to the Mount Rainier community. Have you looked at those on the website?

Another way it allows for the community to enjoy the pool is to have a kid join the swim team.

A third way is to join the waiting list.

A fourth way is to purchase an August membership.


The waiting list also shuts out white people. While the pool could indeed be racist and could be more diverse, I see several ways you could enjoy the pool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are two DC public pools that people in Mr Rainier can go to: Hagans and Langdon. The real problem is that PG County hasn’t built enough pools.

What PG County chooses to do or not do has zero bearing on why this specific pool has continued to exclude Black people, even the very people that live in the apartments across the street.

The apartment residents have been welcomed in the past to join the swim team. They are also welcome to use the parking lot.

They have a nice pool there so not sure why they would pay hundreds to join a second pool.