Local leaders, residents speak out after JFK pool closure
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The JFK pool on Hickory Street has been drained after it was announced Monday that it’s closed for the summer. According to city officials, recent violence has left the pool without supervision after lifeguards refuse to return to their post.
“I feel like it should’ve been a better decision than to just close the pool,” said Buffalo resident Pharez Lackerson. “That should've been the last resort.”
What was once a community resource that reopened after years of closure on Buffalo's East Side now sits quiet and empty after an alleged assault on a young city lifeguard who reportedly asked families to get out of the pool in order to test the water.
“One individual allegedly disagreed with this and allegedly attacked the lifeguard with his rescue buoy, and then made a comment to the fact that they were going to send family members up to finish the job,” said Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope.
Halton-Pope said the lifeguards and security guard were forced to barricade themselves inside the community center after dozens of people showed up. She said she learned of the decision to close the pool on Monday.
WIVB News 4 reached out to the acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon’s office and Buffalo police about this closure and incidents, and was repeatedly told that no one was available. In a statement, Scanlon said in part, "Unfortunately, ongoing incidents of fights, disorderly conduct, and vandalism have made staffing this pool increasingly difficult, and in many cases, impossible."
News 4 asked why there hasn’t been an increase in foot patrols or security at the pools.
“So again, there is security at the location,” Halton-Pope said. “I think what you want me to say, I'm not going to, because it's not accurate for JFK in particular, because I know that it’s secure. I don't feel that it’s unsafe. I feel like adults need to do better and model better behavior and we'll have a better result.”
Meanwhile, residents said the lack of security is the biggest issue.
“More protection for the people, more protection, more fun, more everything,” said Buffalo resident Devon Davis. “Without that, it'll be nothing but chaos and drama and that same incident that happened is going to happen again.”
Anti-violence leaders said there is no room for this in the community.
“You can’t come and beat up the people who have your children's life in their hands,” said Pastor James Giles of the Buffalo Peacemakers. “This is a person who’s willing to dive into a pool when your child is sinking and can’t get up and risk their own life to try to save them.”
Giles said he offers protection at JFK pool from the Peacemakers after learning about these incidents. As of Tuesday night, he’s waiting to hear from lawmakers about the next steps.
Angelica Gallagher is a Lancaster native who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of her work here.