Joint Hamilton-Wenham Recreation Board Unanimously Supports the Proposed Pool Project

The Hamilton Wenham Joint Recreation Board unanimously supports building a new American Legion Memorial Pool in Patton Park and we encourage Hamilton residents to vote in favor of the pool proposal presented at Town Meeting on November 4th.

The proposed community pool is estimated to cost no more than $2.5 million and would be entirely funded by Hamilton’s Community Preservation Act.   With possible future participation from Wenham and private fundraising, the Hamilton CPA funding has the potential to be less.   There would be no impact on taxpayers to build a new pool, which would have among its features a zero entry to provide safe and easy access for children, the elderly and people with disabilities; a diaper pool for young children; a new code compliant bath house; new and enlarged deck space;  a safe parking lot for all park activities; a safe and up to code lifeguard station; and safe and well ventilated storage areas for pool chemicals and pool equipment.  A review of the income to be generated by user fees (both resident and non-residents rates) indicates that the facility will be self-supporting; indeed, it is likely to generate revenue. 

Two things about the pool are very clear to the Joint Recreation board members (the Rec Board consists of three residents from Hamilton and three residents from Wenham):

1.) The pool plays an instrumental role in our community’s recreational offerings. 

This conclusion is reinforced from results of a community-wide survey that was part of the Recreation Master Plan, to a Pool Committee survey and feedback from residents and town officials. 

Each summer, the pool is the center of activity for children who participate in the Patton Park recreation program.  From daily swimming lessons, open swim, and swim team, community members have enjoyed the pool since it was built by the American Legion in 1961

Even more encouraging, residents responding to various surveys have said they would use the pool more often or start going to the facility if the town were to improve the pool and bath house. 

With a new pool design and configuration the Recreation Department will be able to greatly expand its offerings to the broader community.  Adult lap swim, water exercise and aerobics classes, and adaptive swim lessons are just a few of the new programs that would be offered.  The new pool will also allow the Recreation Department to offer special community events such as family nights or Caribbean themed parties accompanied by entertainment. 

2.)  The current pool is not sustainable if the situation is left unchanged.

Analysis from pool consultants and first-hand experience of our Public Works department shed light on a worsening situation at this 50-year old pool that has greatly exceeded its life expectancy.  The band aid solutions that we have been applying to keep the pool going have run their course. 

As a Joint Recreation Board working closely with Recreation Director Sean Timmons, we are constantly reminded of the attractiveness and convenience that Patton Park offers to our community and visitors.   Whether you enjoy summer concerts and picnics, Little League baseball games, Flag Football, the wonderful new playground, tennis and basketball, a leisurely stroll around the pond or a glimpse at history from the landmark tank, Patton Park is an undeniable asset contributing to the quality of life we enjoy in our community.  The pool at Patton Park is a vital part of this community asset and we respectfully ask that you vote in favor of a new pool on November 4th.

For more detailed information on the proposed American Legion Pool at Patton Park, please visit the Town’s website at www.hamiltonma.gov.  You can also find information by visiting the Friends of Patton Park website at www.friendsofpattonpark.org.

Sincerely,

The Hamilton Wenham Joint Recreation Board