DCR: Hall Memorial Swimming Pool Won't Open This Summer in Stoneham

After taking into consideration several factors, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has decided not to open this summer, according to a DCR spokesperson.

"We are in fact not opening the Stoneham swimming pool for the 2012 season," wrote DCR spokesperson S.J. Port in an email to Stoneham Patch. "The wading pool...is open for the season" from June 23 to Aug. 26.

The closure of Hall Memorial Swimming Pool, located at 4 North Border Road, is expected to be "temporary, and the facility can be reopened when funding becomes available," according to Port.

"The decision to close the Stoneham swimming pool was not made lightly, and we at DCR recognize the affect on the communities involved," wrote Port. "However, given our limited resources and after careful consideration of all the options, the decision has been made to move forward with not opening this swimming pool in 2012.

"In making this decision, we evaluated the attendance at all facilities for the past four years and found that Stoneham was one of the lowest use pool facilities in terms of daily attendance. We also looked at its proximity to other facilities."

In 2011, the average daily attendance at Hall Memorial Swimming Pool was 62, the second lowest in the system, according to Port.

While Hall Memorial Swimming Pool may be closed, "DCR will keep the wading pool, playground and restrooms in Stoneham open to maintain a presence in the community," wrote Port.

What are the Alternatives?

Port suggested Stonehamites swim at two pools in nearby communities.

"... (49 Tremont St.) in Melrose has the bandwidth to absorb displaced swimmers from Stoneham. It also offers Learn to Swim programs, and is within two miles of the Stoneham pool," wrote Port. "Residents are also encouraged to visit the (108 Mountain Ave.) in Malden, which is within 10 minutes of the Stoneham pool (by car)."

Both pools will be open from June 23 to Aug. 26, and the open swim hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, according to the DCR website.

Meanwhile, Stoneham's wading pool will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday.