The council’s primary focus was on the Condon Community Center and School pool, which remains closed despite readiness of lifeguards. The pool’s closure affects school swimming programs and community use, emphasizing its importance to local residents. The council detailed the final repair needed: a $40,000 pump replacement. This conversation revealed a shared commitment to prioritizing the pool’s reopening, recognizing its role in providing swimming lessons for children, particularly those from public housing. There was insistence on securing resources to prioritize the quality of life and safety of constituents.

They outlined a maintenance contract intended to address various issues, such as chlorine filters and broken gutters, with repairs planned to commence once procurement processes are completed. The procurement process was identified as a critical factor in delaying the pool’s reopening.

The Hennigan Pool also received attention, with discussions around its brief operational period last summer and subsequent closure due to issues with filter and chemical feeder systems. Plans for repairs were outlined, with an estimated reopening in late winter, pending procurement processes. The maintenance work involves mechanical contracts to replace pumps and ensure chemical distribution systems function correctly, with costs projected at $30,000 to $40,000.

The Draper Pool’s renovation history was chronicled, revealing that despite substantial work completed by January 2024, it began losing water soon after refilling. This necessitated additional repairs to a storage tank, with reopening expected in the spring. The conversation highlighted the broader issue of deferred maintenance across the city’s pools, with calls for a report on the status of all 18 pools. There was an expressed desire for transparency regarding the condition of the pools and urgency in addressing longstanding maintenance issues to meet community standards.

Concerns about perceived inequities in access to swimming facilities among neighborhoods were raised. Some neighborhoods felt neglected, with council members stressing that pool prioritization was based on maintenance demands and budget allocations rather than favoritism. The council emphasized the goal to avoid canceling existing programming, particularly after-school programs and aquatic therapy.

The Blackstone Pool was singled out due to its prolonged closure, requiring extensive renovations and infrastructure repairs. Funding for a study to determine the scope of necessary repairs is available, though timelines remain unclear. The council discussed the need for immediate solutions for swimming lessons, especially for youth in areas like Roxbury and the South End, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to swimming options.

The ongoing collaborative efforts among city agencies to address these disparities were noted as essential steps forward. The council expressed a commitment to advocating for equitable access to swimming facilities for all Boston residents, especially in lower-income areas where public pools are important for community health and recreation.