News Summary
The Veterans Memorial Park pool in Pawtucket has officially opened its doors for the summer, offering affordable recreational activities for families. Operating hours and a free lunch program for children under 17 will enhance community engagement. Volunteer lifeguards from local fire and police departments support the pool’s operations, highlighting community solidarity. Mayor Donald Grebien emphasizes the pool’s significance as a safe recreational space that fosters unity among residents.
Pawtucket, R.I. – The Veterans Memorial Park pool opened its doors to the community on Saturday, June 28, 2023, and will remain available for swimming and recreation until Sunday, August 17, 2023. The facility will be operational with varied hours throughout the week, providing an affordable and accessible leisure option for local families.
The pool is open to the public with an admission fee of just $1. The typical operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while on Mondays and Thursdays, the pool will operate from noon to 5 p.m. Additionally, picnic sites within the park can be rented for those wishing to enjoy a meal outdoors adjacent to the swimming area.
A weekly free lunch program for children under the age of 17 is offered during weekdays, running from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., pending favorable weather conditions. This initiative is part of the city’s efforts to support community youth and ensure they have access to food and recreational activities throughout the summer months.
Orlando Deandrade, the pool director, expressed enthusiasm about the opening of the pool, particularly as he has been part of the community for over 11 years and has watched many of the local children grow up. His excitement reflects the broader community involvement and sentiment towards recreation in the city.
The opening of the pool last year was significantly hindered by a shortage of lifeguards, leading to a late season start. This year, however, a proactive approach has been taken to ensure the pool’s availability. Local firefighters and police officers have volunteered their time to serve as lifeguards on their days off, an effort that showcases the community’s solidarity and commitment to providing safe recreational facilities for its residents.
Despite these measures, Pawtucket still faces challenges in staffing sufficient lifeguards to cover all operating hours. Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable increase in local teenagers expressing interest in lifeguard positions for the summer, hinting at a potential solution for future staffing needs. Currently, Pawtucket’s Police and Fire Departments have committed around 30 volunteers to help supervise the pool this season.
One of these volunteers, Scott Palardy, a senior at Saint Rays High School, has taken the initiative to obtain his lifeguard certification to contribute positively to his community. His motivation reflects a growing trend among local youth to engage more actively in community service and support initiatives that directly benefit their peers.
Mayor Donald Grebien has recognized the ongoing importance of keeping the pool operational for the community. He highlighted that the participation of first responders in lifeguard duties is critical. This collaboration between community services and local government aims to enhance recreational options, promote safety, and foster community connections.
The opening of the Veterans Memorial Park pool serves not only as a recreational space but also as a symbol of community resilience and unity in Pawtucket. It showcases how local services can come together to provide essential support during challenging times, ensuring that residents have enjoyable and safe outdoor experiences throughout the summer.
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Additional Resources
- MSN News: Veterans Park Pool in Pawtucket
- Wikipedia: Pawtucket
- Turn to 10: Veterans Park Pool Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- ABC6: Pawtucket Veterans Pool Opens
- Google Search: Pawtucket pool
- WPRI: Fairlawn Pool Opens
- Google News: Pawtucket community news
