MDC pool is finally open
Published on August 11th, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - Better late than never, they say. For many Stoneham residents, however, that all depends on the weather.
The cooler temperatures that are embracing the town this week are a welcome departure from the searing sun and sweltering humidity of a week or so ago.
But since we've not yet reached mid August, the heat is likely to return. And when it does, the relief that residents have relied on for years will be available, for the first time this season, in the form of the MDC pool.
The unofficial notification of the pool's opening came from interested residents who drove by the North Border Road facility on Monday and saw for themselves what they had been looking forward to all summer. Official word came later that same day from MDC representative Chuck Borstel, who announced that the pool was in fact opened this week.
Repairs to the pump house delayed the usual late June/early July opening of the pool, according to Borstel, which led the MDC to then publicize an Aug. 1 opening date.
A manufacturer's delay in delivering windows for the pump house resulted in a continued shut down of the pool, to the amazement and frustration of many overheated residents.
One resident, who wished not to give her name, told the Independent that despite her attempts last week to question the MDC on why the pool had not yet opened, a definitive explanation was not provided.
"I'm just upset that the pool hasn't been opened yet," she said. "I think that if we were in the city, the pool would have been opened."
In her own search to cool off from the high temperatures, she noted that most surrounding communities have swimming areas.
"Wakefield has a lake, Winchester has a beach, Medford has Wright's Pond, and Stoneham has no pool. We have row boats," she said referring to the new MDC provided boats at Spot Pond, but added, "That doesn't help when it's 95 degrees out."
In addition, she stated that with the pool closed during the hottest part of the summer, she feared that kids would instead be lured to swim in Spot Pond, where swimming is not permitted.
"I'm afraid someone might drown."
The "big pool" as most residents call it is located behind the pump house. The spray pool for young children, which can be seen from the street, has been opened all summer.
Borstel advised that despite the delayed opening of the pool, no plans have been made to extend the closing date, which usually falls on Labor Day.
"We would consider extending (the closing date) only for weather," such as a heat wave, he advised, but stated the opening and closing of the pool traditionally coincides with the opening and closing dates of area schools.
To the resident the Independent spoke to, the opening was welcomed news, though she stated there is no excuse for waiting until summer to perform such repairs.
"It's like Christmas. You know that on December 25, you need to have toys."
MDC lifeguards who had been hired for the Stoneham pool had been placed in other locations but are now back at their originally assigned post.
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