As the only public pool in the Southern Lehigh School District, the Frank Banko Southern Lehigh Community Pool (SOLECO) offers many community members their first introduction to swimming. Whether patrons are competing with the swim team, learning through lifeguard-led lessons, or simply enjoying the pool on hot summer days, SOLECO provides a foundation for swimmers to build a lifelong skill. Because of the pool’s importance to many local families’ summer routines and athletes’ training schedules, SOLECO members were shocked when they heard that the pool might not reopen for the 2025 season.
At the end of the 2024 season, the SOLECO board members decided that the pool did not have the financial means to continue.
Athletes on the SOLECO community swim team were officially informed of the news at the end of the summer by head coach Katie Steele. The team was disheartened to hear this news, especially since they had just achieved an undefeated season.
SOLECO employees also felt the impact of the pool’s financial insecurity.
“There were times when it took a little longer to receive payment, but we were always updated about the situation and always received payment,” said SOLECO lifeguard Avi Shah.
Because the community pool’s land belongs to the school district and SOLECO leases the area from them, it was up to the Southern Lehigh School Board to host a meeting to address who would take over the pool. One idea that emerged was that the River Crossing YMCA could take over management of the pool.
The River Crossing YMCA serves the Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties and has been interested in building an Upper Saucon branch for the past few years. Their interest in the development of the area made them a clear candidate for taking over this aquatic center.
On January 27th, the Southern Lehigh School Board asked SOLECO athletes’ parents and coaches to share their thoughts on the state of the community pool and potential YMCA involvement. A total of six individuals involved with the pool spoke at the meeting. They voiced their enthusiasm as well as their concerns. Some were ready for the YMCA’s management, prioritizing opening the pool above all else. Others were hesitant to embrace this change, worrying that a large corporation would have difficulty running the pool without knowledge of the area.
A representative from the River Crossing YMCA reassured community members at the meeting that they would like to keep the current staff working at the pool and do their best to work alongside the community.
Following the meeting, Southern Lehigh School District’s lawyers determined that the decision ultimately came down to the pool and the YMCA, even though the school owns the land. An announcement was made during the school board meeting on February 24th that a board vote was not necessary. Currently, no decision has been made as to whether or not the YMCA will take over SOLECO.
Despite past financial struggles, many supporters are optimistic for the pool’s future.

“I am feeling confident that our pool will be open and running smoothly this summer,” said Coach Steele. “We have a meet schedule ready to go!”
The YMCA’s potential new influence could impact the area in even more ways. Its new management of the pool could be a step towards building the long-awaited Upper Saucon YMCA, further impacting the swimming culture in the area.
The push for a local YMCA was originally spearheaded by Southern Lehigh resident Jen Johnson, a swim parent. Noticing the drawbacks of the high school swim team lacking a pool for practice during the winter season, and the district at large lacking a community center, she kick-started the project with a phone call to the organization.
“I think it’s really important to have a place in the community where everyone can come together and gather and work towards a healthy lifestyle,” said Johnson.
Although there is not a set location for the anticipated YMCA, an aquatic center located closer to the school could save the high school swim team travel time. Additionally, it would allow for more location options for surrounding winter swim teams.
Johnson is now on the board of the River Crossing YMCA. The board plans for the Upper Saucon branch to open in the next two to three years.
“We appreciate the community’s support and patience,” said Johnson, “This has taken much longer than we thought, but we are still working towards our goal.”
The new interests of the YMCA in the Southern Lehigh School District are tied to the future of swimming in the area. Although it is uncertain if the YMCA’s efforts will pay off, Coach Steele urges community members to support the pool and the sport of swimming in the small ways they can.
“Without membership, the pool will not be able to open and function. I encourage families to continue to come enjoy our pool and the activities that will be posted,” said Steele. “We are always looking for new swimmers to join our team, and that will assist in keeping the pool afloat.”