About Us

Built in 1929, at the height of the Great Depression, Philipps Swim Club stands as a testimony to the indomitable American spirit, having served as a gathering place and social hub for West Side families through economic crises, wars, and a devastating fire that burned the facility to the ground in 1939.  It survived closure in 2011 as a commercial enterprise when it was taken over by its members and operated as a “not-for-profit’ organization maintained through volunteer labor and summer staffing. 

Over the years, Philipps has hosted literally hundreds of graduation parties, birthday celebrations, family reunions, 4th of July events, midnight swims, moonlight movies, corn hole and trivia tournaments, and even a few “in pool” weddings.  In addition to recreational swimming and playground facilities, Philipps also offers swim lessons for individual 3 years and up, and has a competitive swim team for kids 17 and under. By striving to maintain a peaceful and friendly oasis for community members trying to escape the hectic pressures of everyday life, Philipps lives up to its motto, “Philipps, it’s not just a pool, it’s a lifestyle”.