~ Boston's public pools are getting a much-needed makeover thanks to a budget of $54.5 million allocated between 2025 and 2029. The city has recognized the importance of improving these pools, many of which were built in the 1970s, and has entrusted the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) and the Public Facilities Department to lead this project.

This investment not only reflects the city's commitment to providing affordable recreational opportunities for all residents, but also addresses specific needs outlined in PLAN: Mattapan, PLAN: East Boston, and PLAN: Charlestown. These plans emphasize the importance of heat resiliency, affordable recreational opportunities, and promoting active and healthy lifestyles for residents.

Residents may have already read about these pool renovations in the interactive progress reports for each neighborhood's plan. Today, we are excited to share some updates on completed pool projects and provide tips for staying cool this summer.

One of the completed projects is the BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown. Renovations to the pool were finished in July 2024, with work on the bathhouse expected to wrap up soon. The new competition-certified lap pool has been a hit with residents who have been enjoying summer fitness activities since its reopening. The Friends of Clougherty Pool, a neighborhood group formed during the renovation process, expressed their satisfaction with the "incredible" new pool design and high-quality materials used. Both pools are now ramp-accessible and feature an elevator and updated locker rooms to ensure accessibility for all Bostonians.

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In Mattapan, after four years of construction, the BCYF Mattahunt Community Center and Pool reopened in spring 2024. Earl Foulk, a resident of Mattapan for over 60 years, shared his excitement about the renovated community center which now boasts improvements to both the pool and gymnasium. The center also features an auditorium for community performances and a teen room with a music recording studio. Foulk, who has seen the neglect of the center over the years, is proud of his community's perseverance and grateful that future generations will be able to enjoy the space. The indoor pool hosts various events such as youth swim clubs, water aerobics, and adaptive swim hours. The center also offers lifeguard training for strong swimmers aged 15-24 seeking summer employment.

In East Boston, the BCYF Paris Street Pool completed its renovation in July 2023. Deborah Curela, a mother and community member who lives nearby, expressed her gratitude for the pool's reopening after being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared that her family visits at least once a week now and appreciates the upgraded heating, ventilation, and filtration systems that keep them comfortable while swimming. The pool offers free aquatic programs for Boston residents, including six-week swim lesson series and two months of water fitness classes led by skilled instructors. Curela also hopes that BCYF Paris Street will follow in the footsteps of other public pools by offering adaptive swim hours for people with disabilities.

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These three pools are just a few examples of recent investments in community infrastructure in Boston. To learn more about investments in your neighborhood, check out the Storymaps released for PLAN: Charlestown, PLAN: Mattapan, and PLAN: East Boston.

In addition to these pool renovations, Mayor [Name] has expanded SwimSafe - a program launched in 2023 to provide free swim lessons to Boston youth. Over 8,000 kids have already benefited from this program over the past two years.

As temperatures rise this summer, here are some extra tips for staying cool:

- Save on your AC electricity bill through the Mass Save Community First Partnership

- Visit any of the BCYF Cooling Centers during a Heat Emergency

- Check out the full guide for Keeping Cool in Boston

The City of Boston is committed to improving and maintaining public pools to ensure that all residents can safely enjoy summertime swimming. Images credit City of Boston.

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