McAfee Pool Historical Celebration
Advertisement
Join us on Saturday, June 6 for a special community celebration at McAfee Pool, newly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This exciting recognition honors the pool’s architectural innovation, cultural significance, and its lasting impact within Wichita’s African American community.
Built in 1969, McAfee Pool was the first facility in Kansas specifically designed for African American children to practice lap swimming. In 2021, the pool was renamed in honor of architect and Wichita resident Charles F. McAfee, one of the first graduates of the University of Nebraska’s architecture program and a founding member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). In 2023, the City received a grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to develop a long-term Preservation Plan, secure its National Register nomination, and support needed improvements to the facility. The team of architecture firms McAfee3 and Treanor and engineering firm Dubois Consultants were selected by the City of Wichita to help accomplish the grant’s objectives.
To mark this historic milestone, we’re inviting the community to a day of learning, celebration, and fun along with our first Free Swim Day supported by Council Member Johnson’s generous donation, which will help provide free swim opportunities throughout the summer. Beginning at 1 p.m., the Wichita Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will help keep the celebration going with food and music for attendees to enjoy during the free swim.
Event Schedule
11:00 AM – Educational Tour
Led by a member of the McAfee family, offering a deeper look into the pool’s history, design, and community legacy.
12:45 PM – Celebration & Remarks
Hear from City leadership and Charles McAfee as we honor this important recognition and the ongoing efforts to preserve McAfee’s legacy.
1:00 PM – Pool Opens for Free Swim
Enjoy a refreshing afternoon at the pool free and open to the public. Food and music, provided by the Wichita Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, will also begin at this time.
McAfee Pool is located at 1240 E.14th St. in McAdams Park.
Built in 1969, McAfee Pool was the first facility in Kansas specifically designed for African American children to practice lap swimming. In 2021, the pool was renamed in honor of architect and Wichita resident Charles F. McAfee, one of the first graduates of the University of Nebraska’s architecture program and a founding member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). In 2023, the City received a grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to develop a long-term Preservation Plan, secure its National Register nomination, and support needed improvements to the facility. The team of architecture firms McAfee3 and Treanor and engineering firm Dubois Consultants were selected by the City of Wichita to help accomplish the grant’s objectives.
To mark this historic milestone, we’re inviting the community to a day of learning, celebration, and fun along with our first Free Swim Day supported by Council Member Johnson’s generous donation, which will help provide free swim opportunities throughout the summer. Beginning at 1 p.m., the Wichita Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will help keep the celebration going with food and music for attendees to enjoy during the free swim.
Event Schedule
11:00 AM – Educational Tour
Led by a member of the McAfee family, offering a deeper look into the pool’s history, design, and community legacy.
12:45 PM – Celebration & Remarks
Hear from City leadership and Charles McAfee as we honor this important recognition and the ongoing efforts to preserve McAfee’s legacy.
1:00 PM – Pool Opens for Free Swim
Enjoy a refreshing afternoon at the pool free and open to the public. Food and music, provided by the Wichita Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, will also begin at this time.
McAfee Pool is located at 1240 E.14th St. in McAdams Park.
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
1240 E 14th St N, Wichita, KS 67214, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherWichita Park & Recreation
