Needham Wants a Swimming Pool

When the weather gets hot, a dip in the pool can be refreshing. For that, it seems a lot of Needhamites turn to Rosemary Pool. 

The Parks and Recreation Commission is looking at the future of Rosemary Pool, but before setting contractors to work on the project, turned to the people of Needham for feedback. The Commission held a "blue sky" hearing at Town Hall Monday night.

Powers Hall was filled with Needhamites, many of whom wore buttons or t-shirts from the Community Center of Needham, speaking in support of a new pool. Dozens spoke of how connected the pool is to their lives, and what features they would want going forward.

Residents spoke about building a competitive pool, a 50 yard by 30 yard pool for swim meets. Some spoke about having a year-round swimming option, and others about maintaining the sandy beach on the shore. 

Katy Dirks, who works with the Community Center of Needham, commented that a number of Needham residents are going out of town to find pools. Membership at these pools can cost between $900 and $3000 per summer. 

"And that's money we could keep in town," Dirks added. 

Many residents, many children of residents--and some of the young speakers themselves--said they learned to swim, have volunteered or have worked at the Pool.

"Without Rosemary Pond, I don't think either of my kids would have the skills they need to survive in today's world." Resident Catherine Parnell added, "and for that, I am so grateful for Rosemary pool."

The pool at Rosemary Pond originally opened in 1972, and was initially designed to last for about 10 years, according to a brochure distributed at the meeting. 41 summers later, the pool is still running. The pond is not without issues: many residents spoke of water quality--some used the term to mean "containing goose feces." 

Over the years, the pool has earned some unflattering nicknames, such as "the welfare pool" and "the public toilet." Supporters who brought them up, said they were disgusted by these names.

In 2000, Town Meeting approved some money for improvements to the structures at Rosemary Pool, and for a feasibility study about replacing or renovating the area.  

"Some people are too elitist to buy in," said Parnell. "That's not the town I want to live in."

However, Great Plain Avenue resident Tom Gately said the Commission's job was made a little easier last night; one of the options is removing the pool altogether, and, "No one is in favor."