News Summary
As Boston endures a historic heatwave with temperatures reaching 102 degrees, residents are facing limited access to public swimming pools. Nine of the city’s 20 pools are closed, leaving many seeking relief. While some pools, like Clougherty Pool, are set to reopen soon, others in neighborhoods such as Roxbury and Dorchester will remain shut for the summer. Criticism of the closures has emerged, with calls for better prioritization from city officials, and efforts are being made to improve accessibility and safety during this heat emergency.
Boston Residents Face Limited Pool Access Amid Ongoing Heatwave, As City Works to Reopen Facilities
Boston residents are grappling with limited access to public swimming pools amidst a historic heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 102 degrees. The city currently has nine out of its 20 public pools closed, leaving many seeking cool relief from the sweltering conditions with few options.
Among the nine closed pools, five located in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan will remain shut for the remainder of the summer. On a more positive note, four other pools are set to reopen soon: Clougherty Pool in Charlestown is scheduled to open Saturday, while Mirabella Pool in the North End and Condon Pool in South Boston are both set to reopen on Tuesday. Additionally, Hennigan Pool in Jamaica Plain is expected to resume operations later in the summer after undergoing necessary repairs.
Criticism has emerged regarding the pool closures during the ongoing heat emergency. Mayoral candidate Josh Kraft has characterized the situation as “totally unacceptable,” indicating a failure in prioritization by the current administration under Mayor Wu. However, Wu’s campaign has defended her record by highlighting that she has overseen the reopening and renovation of more pools in recent years than in the last decade, aiming to improve city amenities for residents.
City Councilor Erin Murphy pointed out that Boston is making progress in enhancing public pool accessibility compared to two summers ago when widespread closures were a concern. In response to staffing shortages, the city has ramped up its lifeguard recruitment efforts by increasing pay rates, allowing for part-time employment, and eliminating residency requirements for lifeguards.
Residents are expressing their frustrations as well. Luisa Harris, a resident of Mission Hill, has voiced concern over the delays in reopening Hennigan Pool, which has faced frequent closures since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pool briefly reopened last summer, it was subsequently closed again due to ongoing mechanical issues.
The city has committed to ensuring that at least one alternative water facility remains open in neighborhoods where Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) pools are currently unavailable. Notable renovations have taken place with Draper Pool in West Roxbury and Curtis Hall Pool in Jamaica Plain successfully reopening earlier in April. Clougherty Pool’s bathhouse is also set to welcome visitors following a comprehensive $35.5 million renovation project.
To address immediate pool needs, Boston Public Schools has signed a $4 million contract aimed at quick assessments and repairs for various pools, including the Condon Pool. In addition to public pools, Boston residents have access to state-run pools and splash pads managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, operational until August 17. Guarded beaches, including those at the Boston Harbor Islands, will remain accessible until September 1.
In light of the ongoing heat emergency, the city has opened 17 cooling centers to provide refuge, operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some remaining open later. Health officials recommend that residents stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours. Emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness are available around the clock to ensure safety during the heatwave.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has urged residents to seek out designated cooling spaces and take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. For more information, residents can access the city’s Cooling Resources Map, which lists pool locations, splash pads, and air-conditioned community centers.
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Heat Emergency Declared
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Boston Globe: Pool Reopening Schedule
- Google Search: Boston Heatwave
- Boston Herald: How to Cool Off
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat
- TimeOut Boston: Stay Cool
- Google News: Boston Pools Heatwave
- CBS News: DCR Pools Opening
- Google Scholar: Boston Public Pools
