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Built in 1969, this outdoor pool at McAdams Park was designed by Charles McAfee, a renowned architect and civil rights leader. McAdams Pool became the first in the State of Kansas specifically designed for African American children to practice lap swimming and received an award from the American Institute of Architects in 1970. The L-shaped pool featured six lap lanes, low- and high-diving boards, and a separate wading pool. The surrounding deck and bathhouse structures showcased an iconic Brutalist style.
Waters Edge Aquatic Design worked with the City of Wichita on a multi-phase aquatic improvement project across 12 sites, including McAdams Pool. After renovations were completed in 2021, McAdams Pool was renamed McAfee Pool in honor of its original architect. Improvements such as zero-depth entry, water slides, large fabric shades, and water play features were incorporated into the original layout, preserving the site’s iconic look and historical significance. Community members, including students at three nearby schools, helped the artist and design team select elements such as theme colors, water slide options, and play features. McAfee Pool officially reopened on Monday, May 31, 2021. The community celebrated with a grand opening on Saturday, June 5, 2021, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, free swimming, and other activities.
In 2023, the city received a grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to preserve McAfee Pool and support needed improvements to the facility, specifically the bathhouse and concrete structures. During this process, McAfee Pool was nominated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and was listed in September 2025. City officials, community members, and the McAfee family, including Charles, came together on Saturday, June 6, 2026, to celebrate this achievement. McAfee Pool joins over 100,000 places across the country listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which is maintained by the National Park Service following its establishment by the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966.












