write an entirely new news story using the information provided in this press release and in the background story that follows it:  The City of Pasadena is excited to announce the grand opening of its newly constructed Honorable John J. Kennedy pool named after the late City Councilmember. The festivities will take place on Saturday, October 14, at 9:30 a.m. at 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. and will be open to the community. Councilmember Kennedy strongly advocated for public safety, parks, affordable housing, and local hiring. The new pool is a state-of-the-art aquatic facility that is set to become a centerpiece of community recreation and enjoyment. This exciting addition promises to offer residents and visitors an oasis of water-based fun and fitness, fostering a vibrant and healthy lifestyle for all.
This project provides for a new, pool with walk-in access, a new pool deck; renovation of the existing pool building including accessible showers; restroom facilities; new lighting; and resurfacing of the parking lot. With the completion of the $5.9M renovation and expansion of the pool facilities, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department will offer year-round aquatics programming beginning in September 2023. Programming includes vital swim lessons for all ages (toddlers through adults), water aerobics, parent and me classes, as well as recreational and lap swimming. The operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, watch live swim demonstrations, listen to remarks by dignitaries, and enjoy light refreshments. “We are excited to open the doors of the Honorable John J. Kennedy Pool and provide a space where individuals and families can come together to enjoy the benefits of water-based recreation and fitness,” said Acting Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Lola Osborne. “This facility embodies our commitment to promoting wellness and a sense of community, and we can’t wait to see the joy it brings to the people of Pasadena.”
To register for swim classes, please visit CityOfPasadena.net/Reserve. For more information, please call Gabriel Araujo at (626) 744-7330.


Background on the controversial naming process:
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. 
A motion by Councilmember Justin Jones, 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. 
Several members of the community favored naming the pool after Kennedy. One of them is Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
Councilmember Kennedy’s sister Lena Kennedy also expressed her support.
Mayor Victor Gordo said “it is very appropriate” to recognize Kennedy’s contributions in Pasadena specifically for advocating for the pool at Robinson Park.