Rosel Fann Recreation Center at 365 Cleveland Avenue SE honors the legacy of Mrs. Rosel Fann, a pioneering Black female community leader who fought to establish accessible recreation for all Atlanta residents. The facility features the Rosel Fann Natatorium with two heated pools – an 8-lane competition pool (84-86°F) and a therapy pool (89-91°F) – alongside comprehensive recreation amenities including gymnasium, weight room, computer lab, and conference facilities. While the center provides valuable community services including swimming lessons, water aerobics, and youth sports, recent reviews reveal serious organizational challenges with summer camps and sports leagues that contrast sharply with the facility’s strong aquatic programs and senior services.
Mrs. Fann’s vision of inclusive community recreation lives on through diverse programming serving all ages, from after-school activities to senior water aerobics that participants describe as “fun” and “invigorating.” The natatorium particularly excels, with helpful lifeguards who assisted triathlon training and swimming lessons that inspire children toward competitive swimming. However, significant operational failures plague other programs: summer camp incidents including unauthorized field trips, fights, and mediocre food; cheer and sports leagues with missing coaches, incomplete uniforms, and poor communication; and organizational chaos that multiple reviewers describe as “the most unorganized mess” they’ve experienced.
Rosel Fann Recreation Center at 365 Cleveland Avenue SE honors the legacy of Mrs. Rosel Fann, a pioneering Black female community leader who fought to establish accessible recreation for all Atlanta residents. The facility features the Rosel Fann Natatorium with two heated pools – an 8-lane competition pool (84-86°F) and a therapy pool (89-91°F) – alongside comprehensive recreation amenities including gymnasium, weight room, computer lab, and conference facilities. While the center provides valuable community services including swimming lessons, water aerobics, and youth sports, recent reviews reveal serious organizational challenges with summer camps and sports leagues that contrast sharply with the facility’s strong aquatic programs and senior services.
Mrs. Fann’s vision of inclusive community recreation lives on through diverse programming serving all ages, from after-school activities to senior water aerobics that participants describe as “fun” and “invigorating.” The natatorium particularly excels, with helpful lifeguards who assisted triathlon training and swimming lessons that inspire children toward competitive swimming. However, significant operational failures plague other programs: summer camp incidents including unauthorized field trips, fights, and mediocre food; cheer and sports leagues with missing coaches, incomplete uniforms, and poor communication; and organizational chaos that multiple reviewers describe as “the most unorganized mess” they’ve experienced.
The 25-yard, 8-lane pool ranges from 4 to 7 feet deep, maintaining 84-86°F temperatures ideal for lap swimming and training. Bleachers accommodate 200+ spectators for swim meets and competitions.
A 22-yard, 2-lane therapy pool stays 89-91°F with depths from 3 to 3.6 feet, perfect for rehabilitation and water aerobics. The warmer temperature benefits seniors and those recovering from injuries.
Gender-specific locker rooms with handicap accessibility include lockers (bring your own lock) and showers. The facility no longer accepts cash, requiring checks, money orders, or cards for payment.
Indoor basketball courts host league games, tournaments, and open play, with companies like Coca-Cola holding annual tournaments. The gym serves multiple sports and community events year-round.
Fitness facilities provide strength training equipment accessible to annual membership holders during operating hours. Equipment supports various fitness levels from beginners to experienced users.
A computer room offers digital access for youth and adults, supporting educational programs and community connectivity. This resource helps bridge the digital divide for underserved residents.
Conference rooms accommodate NPU (Neighborhood Planning Unit) meetings and community gatherings. Event spaces host family reunions, church services, and community celebrations with wheelchair accessibility throughout.
Highly praised instruction helps children learn water safety while having fun, with some progressing to competitive interest. Experienced instructors create positive learning environments encouraging skill development.
Lively, enthusiastic classes draw regular participants who appreciate the invigorating workouts in warm therapy pool waters. Senior-friendly scheduling and instruction makes aquatic fitness accessible for older adults.
Lifeguards go beyond basic duties, helping lap swimmers improve technique and prepare for competitions. This personalized attention creates exceptional value for serious swimmers.
Controversial program with serious reported issues including unauthorized field trips, inadequate supervision leading to fights, and poor food quality. Parents report alarming safety concerns requiring immediate administrative attention.
Provides homework help, recreation, and supervision for working families, though quality varies by program area. Long-term participants recall nostalgic memories from decades past.
Football, basketball, softball, and cheerleading programs suffer from organizational problems including missing coaches, incomplete uniforms, and poor communication. Multiple reviewers report showing up for practices with no coach present.
Comprehensive senior services include specialized swimming instruction for those learning later in life or managing injuries. Senior coordinator Deborah Hayes receives specific praise for helpfulness and professionalism.
Sunday B-Live church services and various community meetings utilize facility spaces for regular gatherings. Holiday events like visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus create family memories and traditions.
City of Atlanta annual memberships provide access to all municipal recreation centers and pools during regular hours. Pass includes lap swimming, weight room access, and program participation across facilities.
Monday-Friday 8 AM-7 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM provide reasonable access, though weekend hours remain limited. Pool schedules accommodate both lap swimming and open swim sessions.
Aquatic staff including lifeguards Tim and Kiki receive consistent praise for graciousness and accommodation. Senior program coordinator and select other staff demonstrate professionalism and genuine care.
Clean, well-maintained building with modern updates including gymnasium, pools, and technology resources. Adequate parking and accessible design serve diverse community needs effectively.
Multiple programs suffer from severe organizational issues including missing coaches, poor communication, and unfulfilled promises. Parents report frustration with wasted time and money on poorly managed activities.
Summer camp reports of unauthorized field trips and multiple fights raise serious child safety questions. Hair in pools and inconsistent maintenance indicate operational standards requiring improvement.
The center successfully honors Mrs. Fann’s legacy in some areas while failing dramatically in others. Strong aquatic programs and senior services demonstrate potential for excellence, while youth sports and camp failures betray community trust. The contrast between the facility’s impressive infrastructure and inconsistent program delivery suggests administrative challenges requiring urgent attention to fully realize Mrs. Fann’s vision of a thriving community center serving all residents with dignity and excellence.
