Senator Clark Announces DCR Will Open Stoneham Pool This Summer

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have reversed their decision to close this summer, according to an announcement by State Sen. Katherine Clark.

At Tuesday night's Stoneham Board of Selectmen session at , Clark and Laura Richter, a representative with State Rep. Jason Lewis' office, informed the board of the pool's opening.

“It will take two weeks minimum to get water and staffing up,” said Clark. The pool is expected to be open in mid-to-late July, according to the senator.

State Officials Take Action

Legislators learned of the closure following Stoneham Patch's June 22 . DCR's decision to temporarily close the local pool this summer was due in part to low attendance numbers and budgetary reasons. That same day, Clark and State Reps. Jim Dwyer and Lewis to DCR Commissioner Edward Lambert asking the DCR to reconsider its decision and open the Stoneham Pool located at 4 North Border Road.

Clark commented on the value of re-opening Memorial Hall pool when she said, “in a down economy, it's important to have something like this for families.”

Pool Costs

The cost to operate Stoneham's public pool would be roughly $100,000, according to Clark.

In a June 22 announcement by the DCR on the opening of 24 public pools, it read, “[this is] part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to modernizing its aquatic recreational facilities—an investment totaling $11.3 million in the past 12 months alone.” 

Clark thanked Stoneham resident Jeanne Craigie and all those involved in the grassroots effort that brought the attention of the closure to the legislators. Craigie thanked the Selectmen, especially Selectman Bob Sweeney, for their support on the pool issue. 

“I would like to also thank the DPW and Town Administrator David Ragucci and your Board,” Craigie said during the meeting. “I think the DPW is doing a remarkable job. I want to thank them for their hard work on painting the traffic lights, they look great. We really need to build our confidence as a town with little things like this.”

The senator also pledged that her and her constituents are soon to begin working on a “long-term solution” to make sure the Memorial Hall pool is open next summer.

Lifeguards Wanted

According to Clark, the pool needs to nine life guards who need to be at least 16 years old. American Red Cross certification training will be available for those hired, she added. Applicants can call the senator directly at 617-722-1206 to apply.

Do you agree with the decision to open Hall Memorial Swimming Pool this summer? Let us know by posting your thoughts in the comments section below.