For generations of Johannesburg families, the Zoo Lake swimming pool has been far more than a place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Built in the 1930s with its striking square design, the pool became a backdrop for countless memories: children learning to swim, teenagers playing water polo, and families gathering to escape the heat.

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But time has taken its toll. Pipes are cracked, changing rooms have aged, and years of deferred maintenance have left the pool a shadow of its former self. Once a sparkling jewel at the heart of Zoo Lake Park, it now stands in urgent need of restoration.

A new community initiative, Friends of Zoo Lake Swimming Pool, is determined to change that. The group has launched a campaign to restore the pool so it can once again serve as a hub for recreation and connection.

“Our dream is simple,” said committee member Tessa Abramovitz. “We want to bring back a clean, safe and welcoming pool that belongs to everyone. This has always been about more than swimming. It is about community and shared history.”

The group is raising funds for urgent repairs and long-term upkeep. Every cent will go directly into the pool’s revival, from fixing infrastructure to improving facilities. At present, there is no formal agreement with the city, but discussions are underway to find ways to collaborate and ensure the pool’s sustainability.

“It is important to us that this project becomes a partnership,” Abramovitz explained. “We know we cannot do it all alone, and we want to work with the city to keep the pool thriving well into the future.”

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The journey has not been without challenges. Bureaucracy and the scale of the work have tested the group’s resolve, but their passion remains unshaken.

“This pool has always been a gathering place,” said committee member Garth Lucas. “On weekends, it was alive with families, swimmers and water polo matches. Restoring it means giving something back to every Joburger.”

For many, the pool’s value extends beyond leisure. Its distinctive square edges and turquoise waters are part of Johannesburg’s cultural fabric, a reminder of how shared spaces unite communities across generations.

That sense of belonging is what keeps the Friends of Zoo Lake going. The group is calling on residents to help, whether through donations, volunteering or spreading awareness.

“Every rand helps us dive a little closer to the future,” Abramovitz said. “This pool has always brought people together, and we want that spirit to continue for the next generation.”

To support the project, contact Abramovitz on 072 199 2170.

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