The only thing better than a Texas-sized swimming pool is a Texas-shaped one, as the recent designation of a Plano pool as a historic landmark might suggest.
The Texas Pool, located at 901 Springbrook Dr., now figures among 34 other landmarks recognized by the City of Plano, including the Ammie Wilson House and the Texas Electric Railway Station.
This saltwater symbol of Texan pride was built in 1961 by W. Herbert Hunt as a promotional feature for his new development in the Dallas North Estates.
Yet over the years, it became very popular, with swimmers camping overnight just to get a preferred spot the following day by the 1990s.
But over time, the pool’s popularity started to wane, and neglect had started to set in by 2007.
Community members rallied to save the pool, and by 2017 this initiative was tossed a lifeline by the Texas Pool Foundation (TPF).
TPF’s stewardship saw the pool undergo significant renovations and receive regular maintenance.
With the help of the Plano Conservancy and the Texas Historical Commission, TPF was able to lead a campaign to have the pool listed on the National Register of Historic Places — which it was in 2019.
This designation helped bring the Texas Pool back into the limelight, with several national news outlets running features on the attraction.
Yet the historic landmark designation wasn’t recognized locally due to some pushback from residents.
For instance, when the Plano Planning and Zoning Commission voted on the resolution to designate the Texas Pool as a local landmark on May 15, Commissioner Tosan Olley abstained, calling its construction “essentially a reaction to a desegregation movement around that time,” according to Community Impact.
A survey of residents last year also revealed that while the majority were in support, some stood opposed to making the pool a landmark.
Nonetheless, Plano’s city council members unanimously supported the measure at its recent meeting. Now, TPF can carry on its work knowing that the pool has received another level of protection.
“I think this is a great piece of Plano and Texas history,” said James Goldsmith, a TPF historian, the Plano Star Courier reported.