After listening to residents at town hall, Beachwood likely to schedule same-gender swim sessions at aquatic center

BEACHWOOD, Ohio - After meeting with residents who favor same-gender swim times at the Beachwood Family Aquatic Center, the city is likely to schedule this summer one all-female and one all-male swim session, and make plans for regularly scheduled same-gender sessions in 2025.

Mayor Justin Berns and Community Services Director Derek Schroeder, along with several City Council members, met outside with interested residents June 23 near the aquatic center. During that town hall, residents had the opportunity to give their thoughts on the idea of same-gender swimming and have questions answered.

Beachwood's new Communications Manager Ben Lombardi stated in an email July 3 that, "Based on the feedback received, we believe that the best next step is to schedule at least one male- and female-only swim option this season.

"While the dates/times have not yet been determined, those times will not interfere with hours that are currently open to the community at large. We believe a pilot program will help us accurately gauge community interest and participation levels while providing an opportunity to gather further insights from residents and Beachwood Community Services Patrons."

Berns, at the town hall's conclusion, said that the city wants to hear from residents their ideas on the subject of same-gender swimming and times desired. Those thoughts and suggestions can be submitted via email to .

Councilwoman Ali Stern, speaking at the town hall, said she has heard a number of reasons from residents for seeking same-gender swim times.

"While a lot of folks who are here now represent the Orthodox community," Stern said, "we've heard from individuals who are not members of the Jewish community, not members of the Orthodox community, women in particular I've heard from who say, 'I don't really feel comfortable being in a swimsuit in front of men.'

"There are survivors of domestic violence, people with body dysmorphia, individuals who just prefer the company of those they feel won't objectify them.

"So this isn't really about meeting the need of the Orthodox Jews. It's great if it's something more people can benefit from, but the way I perceive it, and I'm just speaking for myself, is that this is our way of being more inclusive and getting more people in our community to come and see and enjoy the things on the cover of our (city-issued) magazines."

Stern also added, "There are members of our community who are not comfortable using what we consider to be the jewel of Beachwood (the aquatic center). If there is a way that we can allow more people access to something that lots of other people in the city enjoy, I think it allows us to be a more inclusive city so people aren't coming and bringing their kids to the (new) playground (next to the aquatic center) and saying, 'Gee, I wish I could go swimming, too.'

"So I hear you. I really do. I think it's an opportunity for us to be able to extend service with as many folks as possible without taking away from the general swimming that people currently enjoy."

Adding to Stern's comments, Beachwood School Board member Rini Ghosh noted that Beachwood's demographics have been changing recent years.

Speaking as an Indian-American, Ghosh said, "We don't have religious policies that we have to satisfy, but there are very cultural things surrounding our bodies (of people of some cultures). Many of us aren't comfortable in our bodies. We have expectations from ourselves and from our communities. We don't feel comfortable dressing in bathing suits.

"I have been very actively involved in the Indian community here in Beachwood and there are many women and young girls who don't feel comfortable wearing bathing suits and coming to the general swim hours, and I think this (same-gender swimming) will only add to the experience of the pool."

There were also men in attendance at the meeting who requested same-gender swim sessions.

Schroeder told the approximately 30 people assembled (including several women from the Orthodox community) that same-gender swim times could possibly be scheduled on Sundays, either before the pool opens to the public at 11a.m., and/or, under the lights after the pool closes at 8 p.m.

He said that the city will pay the money needed to compensate staff for the extra hours. Same-gender swim sessions would likely last 90 minutes.

Same-gender swim times would be available for residents and their guests. Those who do not live in Beachwood could only attend same-gender swim sessions as a guest of a Beachwood resident.

Schroeder said that those who plan to attend a session would have to register so that the necessary staff can be on hand to serve swimmers, and so that, if for some reason such as inclement weather a session is canceled, those who registered can be told in advance.

When asked how transgender people would fit into same-gender swim times, Lombardi replied, "Our facility is open to everyone during our regular pool hours. The all-female or all-male swim times are intended to provide specific options for those who may prefer them, but they do not restrict access during other times.

"We strive to create an inclusive environment for all members of our community."

Many in attendance at the meeting thanked the city for holding the town hall and responding to their interests.