Our Story
The Story of Melrose:
A Neighborhood Dream That Became a Tradition
Long before backyard pools became common across Phoenix, summers in the early 1960s looked very different. The desert city was growing quickly, new neighborhoods were rising from open land, and families were searching for ways to build stronger community connections. In the developing Womack neighborhood near 30th Street and Cholla, a small group of neighbors had a simple but powerful idea: create a shared place where families could gather, children could swim, and the neighborhood could grow closer together.
At the time, most homes in the development did not include backyard pools. Instead of viewing that as a limitation, a handful of local families saw an opportunity. They approached the neighborhood’s developer, P.W. Womack, with a proposal—would he consider donating a parcel of land so the community could build its own pool?
To their excitement, he said yes.
With land secured, the dream quickly began to take shape. Around a dozen founding families stepped forward first, organizing meetings, rallying neighbors, and collecting commitments from additional households who wanted to be part of something new. Membership sign-ups grew rapidly, and what began as a conversation among neighbors soon became a full community effort. Volunteers contributed time, energy, and resources, laying the foundation for what would officially open in 1961 as the Melrose community pool.
From the very beginning, Melrose was different. It wasn’t owned by a city or a corporation. Instead, it was built by the community, for the community, operated as a member-supported, volunteer-run organization. That spirit of shared ownership created something special—families didn’t just visit the pool; they helped shape its future.
As the years passed, Melrose became more than a place to cool off on hot Arizona afternoons. It evolved into a neighborhood hub where friendships formed, traditions developed, and generations of families returned year after year. Barbecues, open swims, neighborhood gatherings, and summer celebrations turned the pool into a centerpiece of local life.
One of the most meaningful traditions to grow out of those early years was the formation of the Melrose Makos Swim Team. What began as a small group of young swimmers practicing together soon developed into a lasting program that has shaped countless childhood summers. For many families, joining the Makos became a rite of passage—kids learning their first strokes, building confidence in the water, and discovering the excitement of friendly competition.
Today, the Makos proudly compete in the Desert Swim League, continuing a legacy that stretches back decades. The program welcomes swimmers of all experience levels, from beginners learning race basics to experienced competitors refining technique. While the team celebrates competition, its true strength lies in the friendships, teamwork, and confidence that swimmers gain each season. Many former Makos eventually return as parents, enrolling their own children and continuing the tradition that shaped their own childhood memories.
Although Phoenix has grown dramatically since the 1960s, the heart of Melrose has remained the same. The pool continues to operate as a nonprofit, member-supported recreation club, guided by a volunteer board dedicated to preserving the community-first vision established by those original founding families. The facility has expanded over the years to include amenities such as a sport court, soccer field, baby pool, and picnic areas, yet its purpose remains unchanged: bringing neighbors together through shared experiences, recreation, and summer fun.
What makes Melrose truly special is not just the pool itself, but the story behind it. A small group of neighbors saw a need, worked together, and built something that would outlast them. More than sixty years later, their vision is still thriving—families gathering on warm evenings, children racing across the deck before swim practice, and longtime members sharing stories of summers past.
Every splash, every swim meet, and every family picnic continues a legacy that began with just a few determined families, a generous land donation, and a simple belief that community matters.
The Melrose Paradise Recreation Club and the Melrose Makos Swim Team are not just facilities or programs—they are living traditions, built by neighbors, sustained by volunteers, and passed down through generations. And as new families join each season, the story that started in 1961 continues to grow, one summer at a time.
Discover new experiences
Start Your Diving Adventure
Looking for a thrilling adventure under the sea? Discover the ocean with our diving classes. Safe and fun for all levels. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover the beauty of the ocean firsthand!
what people say about us
Testimonials
Why Choose Us