Due to budget cuts, the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation has closed Berry Pond at Harold Parker State Forest. (Wendy Maeda/ Globe Staff)
Where am I going to go on my staycation?
Related: Massachusetts' Campgrounds Closed
WTF?!
TRILLIONS for WARS and BANKS but MY STATE PARKS and POOLS are CLOSED!?
"Summertime, and the swimming's not easy; Budget constraints close pools, ponds" by Peter Schworm, Globe Staff | June 27, 2009
Compounding the local financial crunches are new federal regulations mandating that special drainage covers be installed in all public pools. The covers are designed to reduce the suction from pool drains, blamed for 11 deaths in the past decade and more than 70 other entrapments....
Thanks for the help.
Despite the added expense, Chicopee’s pools will open on time and fully staffed Monday. But other cities pointed to the cost of compliance as a factor in closings....
Some towns, including Hingham, are considering shorter seasons, and others will now charge fees....
Maybe they could use this money:
"The special meeting is expected to cost between $5,000 and $10,000."
Pffft!
“On a sweltering hot day, people are going to seek some relief’’
Yeah, WHEN IS THAT?
Despite an anticipated budget cut of some $11 million, the state will keep open all 37 of its swimming pools and spray parks, most of them in cities, where swimming options are limited.
I know where you could find that easy!
“With this economy, as people decide to stay closer to home, it’s that much more important the state facilities are available,’’ said Rick Sullivan, commissioner of the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation.
State recreation officials will work with Worcester officials to provide transportation to state beaches, he said. Camping reservations and park attendance are up sharply from last year, and officials expect a similar rush to area swimming spots.
Why the LIES?
Officials said the decision to close the pools was regrettable but unavoidable.
Yeah, because ALL OUT TAX MONEY is going to FAVORED INTERESTS and POLITICIANS' POCKETS!
“In the end, the confluence of budget cuts for operational needs, combined with the poor condition of the pools, made the decision final,’’ said Robert Moylan Jr., commissioner of Worcester’s Department of Public Works & Parks.
In Springfield, officials were able to land a federal block grant to keep all but one of their 21 pools and water parks open. Staffing and maintenance for a single pool can run up to $100,000 for a season.
And when you think of the TAX LOOT they GIVE AWAY!
NO REASON the kid shouldn't have a pool open in summer!
In Wayland, residents are taking matters into their own hands, launching a fund-raising campaign for a new community pool. The group has already raised $1.25 million, half of the projected cost, said Ben Downs, who is spearheading the effort.
That's the way it should be down now. Screw looting government!
The same economic downturn that is forcing the closings, recreation officials say, makes them particularly ill-timed. With more families staying close to home this summer to cut costs, local swimming options are in heavy demand.
Yeah, WHEN IT GETS WARM because it is NOT YET!
“We’re definitely seeing the impact of ‘staycations,’ ’’ said Kelley Rice, a spokeswoman for YMCA Greater Boston....
Where?
"The longtime head of the Melrose YMCA announced his resignation yesterday after weeks of growing outrage over allegations that a staff member at a YMCA after-school program had sexually abused two children"
Related: The State of Massachusetts is Sick
In Cambridge, once school lets out kids also crowd the only city-owned outdoor pool, Gold Star Pool in East Cambridge. It’s unheated and there’s no diving board, but at just 75 cents a day, the price is right.
“They love it,’’ said Jackie Neel, the city’s deputy director for human services.
Kids don't know any better!
As long as the sun cooperates - after finally emerging from June’s protracted gloom....
Yeah, for about TWO SECONDS!
--more--"
Related: The Boston Globe Is All Wet
