The Veterans Memorial Pool

Letter to the Editor

The Veterans’ Memorial Pool Replacement and Wenham

The Hamilton/Wenham Recreation Board now has a pool which has out lived itself.  The donated pool has provided programs and summer fun for the two Towns but is no longer viably or safe. The Recreation Committee members from both towns have developed a plan which will expand the pool use and benefit both the children and adults in our two towns. 

Apparently we are stuck on the cost.  Even though the pool can produce funds to support itself and other recreation programs into the future, there is concern from some residents that the initial, onetime cost, will affect the tax rate.  It will not.  In fact Wenham’s share of the cost of replacing the current pool and indeed bringing it up to modern standards, will all be handled by the monies in Wenham Community Preservation Act (CPA) account.  That money has accrued from the Community Preservation funds that were paid by the taxpayers of Wenham for both preservation and recreation.  Wenham CPA account is currently two and a half million dollars. The state match of the CPA Tax for the closing fiscal year equals Wenham proportionate share for the building of a safe and accessible pool, a joint recreation facility.

The money is there. Encourage Wenham C P Committee to recognize the need for spending a portion of its $2.5+ million, to enhance the sense of community in Wenham and Hamilton, to replace an existing recreational facility. The pool will be located in Hamilton, as it always has been, Wenham can take advantage of its presence and continue to give our communities a joint recreation facility of which we can all be proud. It’s time.

Vote to allocate Wenham’s full share of the cost.

Paul and Mary Mendonca

38 Arbor St.

Wenham

978 468 4444