Druid Hill Park Swimming Pool

In a picturesque corner of Druid Hill Park, located in the city of Baltimore, lies an unusual monument — the **Memorial Pool**. Built in 1921 in the USA as "Pool No. 2," it was once a vibrant hub for summer recreation, hosting lively competitions and gathering hundreds of citizens. However, today this place has taken on a completely different, deeply philosophical form.

In 1999, thanks to the work of artist Joyce J. Scott, the area was transformed into a unique memorial space. The former pool bowl is now filled with emerald grass but retains its historical outlines. Here you will see the original ladders, diving board, and lifeguard stand, all painted in a rich blue color that symbolizes the missing water.

The surrounding area is decorated with concrete patterns featuring African motifs and massive marble columns. This site is an important part of the cultural landscape, blending art, history, and the memory of past leisure traditions in the state of Maryland.

To plan your visit to this unique landmark, it is helpful to have current information at hand. Below are the official details to help you find your way and contact park administration if necessary.

Please note that the site is located within a vast recreational area, so it is best to check your route in advance. You can use the phone line for inquiries regarding current events or access to the memorial.

A visit to the memorial offers guests a quiet and thoughtful experience. You can stroll through the area where water once splashed and examine the African weaving motifs embedded in the concrete paving. Special attention should be paid to the preserved infrastructure elements: the old steps leading into the "depths" and a symbolic river path made of stones that connects the pool to the picnic area.

Be sure to stop by the information stands. They feature archival photographs and memories of people for whom this site in Baltimore was an important part of life. These stories help to better understand the cultural and social significance of the place, turning a simple walk into a fascinating plunge into the past.

Active recreation enthusiasts should bring their rackets, as there are tennis courts nearby. This spot is also ideal for photo shoots thanks to the contrast between the bright blue structures and the green landscape, while the neighboring shady groves provide excellent conditions for a family picnic in the fresh air.

Getting to the historic pool in Baltimore is quite simple, as it is located in one of the region's most famous parks. The site is situated at the southwest corner of the intersection of Shop Road and Commissary Road, making it easy to find using navigation maps.

For those who prefer public transport, the BaltimoreLink bus system has routes that pass close to the park's boundaries. If you are in the city center, a taxi ride will take very little time, and a walk is about 3–4 kilometers, allowing you to enjoy the urban scenery.

If you are traveling by car, parking spaces are available within the park. Druid Hill Park is also very popular with cyclists thanks to its extensive network of paths, making a bike ride one of the most pleasant ways to reach the memorial.

The history of this site began in 1921, when Pool No. 2 was built in Druid Hill Park. At the time, it was an important center of community life, hosting hundreds of thousands of residents who came here not only for recreation but also to participate in swimming competitions. The pool's popularity was so great that visitors had to be admitted in groups on a strict schedule.

A turning point came in 1956 when all city pools became open to all citizens, and by 1957, Pool No. 2 was officially closed. For decades, the area remained abandoned until 1999, when the renowned artist Joyce J. Scott was commissioned to create a memorial here. She transformed the empty bowl into an art object, filling it with earth and preserving the pool's contours using tiles and depth markers.

Today, the memorial serves as a reminder of the cultural past and social changes. Architectural elements, such as the bright blue lifeguard stand and diving board, were preserved and restored to emphasize the site's authenticity. Carefully designed African patterns on the concrete surfaces and information stands with archival photographs allow visitors to literally touch a bygone era.

To leisurely explore the memorial complex and soak in its atmosphere, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. This time is enough to walk through the former pool area, study the information stands with historical facts, and take commemorative photos against the bright blue architectural elements.

If you plan to combine your visit to the memorial with recreation in Druid Hill Park itself — such as having a picnic, playing tennis on the nearby courts, or visiting the playground — it is worth setting aside half a day. The location is perfect for peaceful pastimes and reflection surrounded by greenery.

Currently, the memorial space operates on a specific schedule. Visitors can access the grounds on Saturday and Sunday during two time slots: from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On weekdays (Monday through Friday), the site is usually closed to the public.

Since the schedule may change depending on the season or special events in Baltimore, it is highly recommended to check the current operating hours on the official park service website before your trip. This will help you avoid closed gates and plan the perfect visit.

Exploring the memorial pool can be perfectly combined with visits to other interesting locations in Baltimore. The park's surroundings and central districts offer plenty of entertainment, from educational tours to active recreation, making your day rich and diverse.

Below are some notable sites located nearby that may interest travelers of all ages: