Waltham pool closure causes controversy in community

WALTHAM, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Waltham community says the closing of a state swimming pool is robbing special needs students of a valuable resource. However, with the safety concern the state says it has left them with no choice but to shut it down.

The pool is one of the last facilities in use in Waltham's Fernald Center, the old state mental health institution. The state says they plan to close the pool for good Thursday. Families say it's leaving their children with little to no other options.

Mom Kathy Rizzacasa said, "My son is 19 and a half. He's severely autistic. He has epilepsy. The one thing that he enjoys in life is swimming."

She went on to say her son, Nicholas, began swimming as a child with the Special Olympics. She says the pool transforms him.

"He doesn't have many emotions, but he's always happy when he's in a pool," she said.

Twice a week, Nicholas's school takes him for swim therapy at the Greene Pool at Waltham's Fernald Center is one of the last facilities in use at the nation's oldest mental health institution.

The signs say the Greene Pool is closing Aug. 6.

Michelle Hillman with the state's Department of Health and Human Services says the Greene Pool is no longer a safe option for anyone. She says  it doesn't meet federal guidelines for drainage, is in disrepair and the building it's housed in is also unsafe.

"We understand that many people enjoyed using this pool, there are a number of alternatives in the community within 25 miles," she said.

Hillman says that includes three state owned facilities. The state is also offering eligible swimmers a one-time 500-dollar voucher to attend private facilities.

Taryn Flanagan, school coordinator, said, "There are pools yes, but that doesn't mean they're handicapped accessible, that does not mean they're heated, the locker rooms are too small, there's not changing space, there's not changing tables."
      
And, Flanagan, who works with the Waltham special needs students says a 20 mile road trip is only the first challenge.

"We have kids that need flotation devices, a lot of pools don't use flotation devices, a lot of our residents need to wear swim diapers," Flanagan said.

The state says on average less than 70 people use the pool each month. They believe they will be accommodated at other publicly owned pools which are heated and wheelchair accessible.

Cox Media Group