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A neglected swimming pool might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of affordable housing. But at Paris Park, this pool represented something much deeper: a community's broken trust and lost hope. Its restoration tells a powerful story about our mission at Affordable Upstate—where preserving affordable housing means preserving dignity, community, and the places people call home.

The Weight of Broken Promises

For five long years, residents of Paris Park walked past their abandoned pool daily. What was once a gathering place had become a painful reminder of neglect: stagnant water, crumbling infrastructure, and overgrown vegetation. Like many Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) properties across the country, the pool stood as a testament to unfulfilled promises and diminishing community spaces.

Why a Pool Matters

When Affordable Upstate acquired Paris Park, we saw beyond the cracked concrete and broken filtration system. We saw:

• Children who deserved a safe place to play
• Families who needed a community gathering space
• Residents who warranted proof that affordable housing can be quality housing
• A community ready to rebuild trust, one project at a time

From Vision to Reality

The restoration wasn't just about repairs—though there were plenty. We tackled:

• Major structural leaks that had plagued the pool for years
• Complete overhaul of outdated filtration systems
• Installation of modern safety features
• Transformation of the surrounding area with new grills and furniture

But the real transformation happened in the community's spirit.

Today, the Paris Park pool area hums with life. Children splash in the crystal-clear water while parents chat on comfortable loungers. Weekend cookouts bring neighbors together at the new grilling stations. What was once a symbol of neglect has become the heart of the community.

The Bigger Picture: Preserving Community Through NOAH

This pool restoration embodies our approach to Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing:

• Preservation isn't just about maintaining buildings—it's about maintaining communities
• Affordable housing shouldn't mean sacrificing quality or dignity
• Small improvements can have profound impacts on residents' daily lives
• Trust is rebuilt through actions, not promises

Looking Forward

At Affordable Upstate, we believe that everyone deserves a home they can be proud of. The Paris Park pool project proves that preserving affordable housing means more than keeping rents stable—it means investing in the spaces that turn housing into communities.



As we continue our mission across the Upstate region, we carry this lesson with us: Every repair, every upgrade, and every improvement is an investment in people's lives and their sense of belonging. Because at the end of the day, that's what truly makes a house a home.