Hello Highland Park, The question of whether folks and pets should be swimming in the reflecting pool and fountain is a pretty small one, as other recent posts have pointed out, compared to actual crime and vandalism in the area As a small question, it also has nothing to do with morals or mild fascism or freedom. It's not about whether I or anyone else is has a problem with children splashing in the water. It's not about whether you can do as you please. The question is whether we think the reflecting pool is a swimming pool with neither lifeguards nor safe water. The answer from the community so far seems to be: Yes. -EL