The City Council voted Monday to name the pool at Robinson Park after the late Councilmember John Kennedy.
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services’ original (PRCS) proposal brought to the Council recommended the naming of the pool after Dr. Edna L. Griffin, Pasadena’s first Black female physician and the naming of the youth community room at Robinson Park on behalf of Kennedy.
Prior to bringing the matter before the full Council, PRCS solicited public input from June 1 to July 7, as part of the city naming policy procedures.
A total of 305 responses were received. A total of 266 people suggested that the pool be named “The Honorable John J. Kennedy Pool” while 19 respondents said they wanted it to be named after Griffin.
Last August 1, the Recreation and Parks Commission voted to recommend that the pool be named after Griffin and that the youth community room be named on behalf of Kennedy. According to PRCS, the recommendation reflects the importance of recognizing both significant individuals.
“It was clear that my predecessor Councilmember John J. Kennedy was an advocate for this pool and understood the importance of equity and access to water safety and swimming,” said Councilmember Justin Jones. “I’d like to name the pool at Robinson Park after the late Councilmember John J. Kennedy.”
Jones’ motion, which was approved unanimously by Councilmembers, also asks the City Manager and his team to start conversations with the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center (RBAC) in honoring Dr. Griffin.
“It will be my hope and desire that we could name the pool down at RBAC after Dr. Griffin.”
Several members of the community favored naming the pool after Kennedy. One of them is Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
“I vividly remember his tireless efforts to fund the pool project at Jackie Robinson Park. This pool was part of his vision to create safe and healthy spaces for residents to socialize and interact,” Barger said in her letter to the Council.
“I cannot think of a more fitting tribute for Councilman Kennedy than to name the pool at Jackie Robinson Park after him.”
Councilmember Kennedy’s sister Lena Kennedy also expressed her support.
“That pool is there because of one person, it was him,” said Lena. “Let us not lose sight that he championed that.”
“There are many people in Pasadena that have championed other things but tonight is about Councilmember Kennedy.”
Mayor Victor Gordo said “it is very appropriate” to recognize Kennedy’s contributions in Pasadena specifically for advocating for the pool at Robinson Park.
“I absolutely support the motion,” said Gordo. “Congratulations to the Kennedy family. It’s a great contribution that we recognize here today.”
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