Mayor Ruthanne Fuller dives into City business every day, but on Monday, June 24, she may do so away from her office, at the opening of the new Gath Pools.
When asked if she’ll be taking a dip on Opening Day, her office said, “She’ll likely take a plunge.”
The original pool and the bathhouse, located at 256 Albemarle Road, were built over 60 years ago and did not meet current ADA or Massachusetts Architectural Access Board standards, Fig City News previously reported.
“We’re excited that everything is accessible to all — the bathhouse, deck, and pools,” said Ellen Ishkanian, the City’s Director of Community Communications. “Whether you are coming to swim laps, cool off in the shallow waters of the zero-depth recreational pool, enjoy some fun on the slides, or at the new splash pads [that open in July], the improvements to the facility will enable everyone regardless of age or ability to come together for fun and exercise.”
As the project changed and developed over time, some had hoped the city’s only outdoor public pool could be used for more than three months a year. This would have required the creation of an enclosure, which was ultimately rejected. When asked if the City might reconsider building such a structure in the future (if finances allow), the Mayor’s office said, “The City of Newton has a wonderful indoor pool at Newton North High School. The City’s Capital Improvement Plan includes a feasibility study to explore the construction of a second indoor pool.”
More details
“The lap pool will be wonderful for the Bluefish Swim Team and those who like to use a diving board or swim laps,” according to the Mayor’s office. “We also have two walking lanes for aerobic exercise.”
As for the splash pads, the “surfacing needs a few more weeks to ‘cure,’ so we’re looking at mid-July for completion,” according to the Mayor’s office. “We expect to have another community celebration for the splash pad in July.”
The pool’s soft opening is Monday, June 24, at 4PM. For information on schedules, hours, memberships, lessons and more, visit www.newtonma.gov/government/parks-recreation-culture/aquatics/gath-pool
