Introduction

The Weston Memorial Pool has been a local staple since its conversion from a pond in 1951.  Memorial Pool underwent major renovations in 1971 and 1993, upgrading it to what you see today.  Once touted as the larges recirculating pool in New England, it is now getting another facelift along with needed upgrades to it's filtration and circulation system.

Initial concept

The impetus for this project began in 2018, when a break in the filter liner was discovered, and it was estimated that they needed to be replaced in 5 to 8 years.  Around the same time, pool attendance and membership sales were declining from previous years.  The Recreation Commission and Recreation Department began exploring ways to renew interest and keep the pool viable for Weston residents.  The Recreation master Plan Committee reviewed Memorial Pool needs as part of its 10-year master planning process and identified a renovation as a top priority.

In 2020, the pool season was canceled due to concerns with the COVID 19 pandemic. The public outcry from this closing clearly re-enforced the Recreation Commission's belief that Memorial Pool is a critical asset to the Weston community. They took this as a directive to not only fix the mechanical challenges facing the pool, but also provide more recreational and accessibility upgrades to make it more appealing and usable to all Weston residents.

Funding process

A feasibility study was conducted in 2020 that helped determine the project scope.  The Recreation Commission secured design fees through CPA funding at the 2021 Annual Town Meeting and began design the following fall.

Construction funds were approved, also using CPA funding, at a 2022 Special Town meeting, and work has begun with an anticipated completion date of June 5, 2023 - just in time for the next season.  The final cost is estimated to be $3.3 million.

Completed design

Along with infrastructure upgrades, the completed project will feature:

• A new splash pad
• New water slide
• New water feature near mushroom
• New and expanded concession area to offer warm food options
• Upgraded reception area
• Two new family style bathrooms with showers
• New outdoor showers
• New shading

For accessibility, additional pathways, ramps, railings and permanent entry steps will be added.

Current progress

To date, the contractor has mobilized and demolition has begun.  We expect footings for the new buildings to be added by mid-November then construction on the new buildings will begin.

Over the winter, we expect further construction and completion of the new buildings and work on the filtration and circulation system to be completed.  Work on the splash pad, sandbox, slide and water feature will take place early next spring.