Rock Lake Pool, Swimming center in South Charleston, West Virginia.
Rock Lake Pool was a swimming facility set within a former limestone quarry with natural rock walls rising above the water area. The venue featured water slides, diving platforms, a water trampoline, and spray fountains for swimmers to enjoy.
The facility was founded in 1942 by the Wilan brothers and operated successfully for 43 years. It closed in 1985 when rising insurance costs made continued operation no longer feasible.
The pool became a focal point for civil rights activism when clergy-led protests in 1967 successfully challenged segregation at the facility. This moment shaped the region and demonstrated how public spaces could serve as venues for social progress.
The location was relatively easy to access, with direct water entry points spread across the site. The natural rock walls allowed visitors to jump from varying heights suited to different swimming abilities.
The natural limestone walls of the original quarry functioned as diving platforms at various heights, creating an unusual swimming experience. These geological features made the location distinctive compared to typical pools of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
