BROOKLINE — The Brookline Park and Recreation Commission is pleased to announce that they have appointed a working group to review possible sites for an outdoor municipal pool.
The working group was established in response to a resolution passed by Town Meeting that called for a preliminary study of options for an outdoor swimming facility for Brookline residents.
The working group’s objective is to study location options for the outdoor swimming facility and present their recommendations to the full Park and Recreation Commission.
The Park and Recreation Commission appointed the working group once the Park, Open Space, and Recreation Strategic Master Plan Update was near completion. Additionally, prior to the group conducting their assessments, the Park and Recreation Commission assimilated responses from a community survey in order to better understand all park/recreation community needs in regard to the request for this new outdoor swimming facility.
The Park and Recreation Commission working group agreed that Larz Anderson Park, the area of the Putterham Woods next to Fire Station 6 and the golf course parking lot and a portion of the property at Newbury College are sites they are interested in discussing further.
“This working group will be instrumental in identifying possible locations for an outdoor community pool and the subsequent proposals that will move the venture forward,” Parks and Open Space Director Erin Gallentine said. “The initial identification of possible locations will serve as the groundwork for a more comprehensive feasibility study. We welcome our residents to attend the working group’s Zoom meetings to stay updated and informed regarding this topic.”
The working group’s proposal will include possible locations with specific site considerations, the basic swim amenities/programs and language for the recommended feasibility study funding request intended to come before Town Meeting. Program elements will include a review of accessible and inclusive features such as zero entry to the main pool, a lap pool, water play elements, a separate infant/toddler area, shade, picnic areas, deck and lounge space, parking and a bathhouse.
At this time there has been no decisions made yet regarding sites, and the working group is open to further suggestions.
The working group will meet again on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom and the link will be posted on the Town Calendar. The public is encouraged to attend.
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