Hometown Weekly Correspondent
While navigating the grounds of Rosemary Park and pool recreation center this past Saturday, a group of Needham residents, along with Rosemary Pool’s Director Patty Carey, discuss the grounds at length, paying particular attention to the highly-anticipated renovations of the pool into a fully-fledged recreation complex. Rosemary Park and Pool are on the verge of a substantial makeover and will soon become a more accessible and fun place for the whole family. On Friday, August 26, Rosemary pool will close to prepare for renovations, and will not open again until summer 2018.
Renovations for the park and pool have been a hot topic for years. In fact, it was only three years ago that those plans came to fruition. Weston and Sampson, Inc. were consulted on the feasibility of the renovation plans for the pool and park. In 2014, Park and Recreation approached BH+A (Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc.) for specific architectural plans and design. The overall concept stems from العاب اكشن Needham residents’ input and would recreate a new community feel for the recreation center, and establish a more accessible place year-round.
The plans aim to create two outdoor pools, one as a recreation pool, aimed for kids and families to enjoy, while the other is a fitness pool for Needham residents who are avid or competitive swimmers. Each pool provides specific amenities for different residents. The recreation pool has a zero depth entry for children to allow easy access in and out, eventually wading out to a depth of 3’ 6”. There are fun water spray features for the kids, along with shade for the parents (on the pool deck and tiers), allowing the capacity for swimming lessons. The new slide area will excite and delight many children, with a water depth of 3’ to 3’ 6”, including two exits. Another element for the kids to enjoy is the spray park/splash pad located at the entrance and will be open in the spring as well as summer.
As requested by some Needham residents, the concept of the fitness pool will be similar to the original, by including 8 lanes (25 meters in length) for Super Mario World the swim team and dedicated swimmers. The depth will be 4’6” and 6’6” in the outer lanes and includes a diving board and well with a depth of 13’6”.
Keeping the recreation center year-round was an upmost priority, and to do so, the new building design focused on creating a facility with two levels. The lower level will consist of a bathhouse, bathroom and check-in area, while as the second level includes a programming and community activity space useable throughout the year. The new building’s entrance will be more accessible for children, the elderly, and the handicapped, creating a space for people to walk under the second level into the pool area. Another perk is the renovated lower parking lot area and upper lot, and the creation of a more convenient pathway leading to the front entry for carpooling and the handicap.
As of April 2016, the rendering has been conceptualized, but the design is yet to be final, with more presentations to share and discuss with the Community Preservation Committee. A presentation will be held on Monday, September 26, and in March 2017, a hearing will be conducted to decide on the funding request, which will involve construction funds needed as well as any additional funding available through the capital budget process. In May 2017, the town meeting will make a final decision on the plans and if all goes well, construction will commence in June 2017.
In describing the Rosemary Pool, Patty Carey believes the recreational center embodies Needham’s community spirit over the years. The community has come together year after year for parties, competitions, and leisurely fun; Needham residents have found their home at Rosemary Pool. The recreation center holds a special place in many people’s hearts and creates a local and convenient space for families to spend their summer days.
One story Carey enjoys sharing revolves around a Needham resident who tragically lost her husband. One day, the Needham resident decided to visit the pool and walk down from her nearby apartment to join the community fun. Carey shares that after, the Needham resident came to the pool every day during that particular summer - it motivated her to move on with her life and find a reason to carry on. “It is one of the stories that touches my heart the most to this day,” reflects Carey. “This place saved her life.
The original Rosemary pool will be missed, but the renovation will enhance residents’ enjoyment of the pool while paving the way for a new generation to come and create their own memories for a lifetime.
