Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extended Hours at Select City Parks & Pools
Several DCR Facilities to Extend Operating Hours to Provide Greater Youth Access
Boston – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the Department of Conservation and Recreation will extend hours for select pools and athletic complexes throughout the state this summer. The extended hours, which are aimed at offering youth greater access to positive recreational activities over the course of the summer, will enable 16 facilities within the cities of Boston, Chicopee, Everett, Malden, and Worcester to remain open longer while kids are out of school this summer.
“With the start of summer vacation for school children across the Commonwealth, I am pleased that we are able to offer more positive recreational opportunities that encourage and promote a healthy, fun lifestyle and safe summer,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The extended hours will provide students and families increased access to some of the state’s most popular facilities in the Commonwealth’s cities.”
"I'm thrilled that Boston residents will be able to access parks and pools later this summer," said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. "I thank the Baker administration for offering Boston additional opportunities for young people this summer."
“Incorporating physical activities within the daily routines of a child’s life is vital for their growth and development,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “In order to facilitate that, it is important that our children are provided with places to have fun while also staying safe.”
Starting July 7, DCR will begin airing its popular Free Family Flicks in Lowell, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Somerville, and at the Esplanade’s Hatch Memorial Shell. Additionally, the agency has expanded the summer movie program to locations within Boston, Worcester, Chelsea, Lawrence, Taunton, and Fall River to provide family fun and entertainment at no charge.
“Extending the hours of operations at select pools and parks is a wonderful example of the commitment that the Baker-Polito Administration has dedicated itself to in encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for the next generation,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “By extending the hours of operations to many DCR facilities, state government is working with families in providing safe places to have fun.”
“Not only does keeping our parks and pools open provide safer opportunities for our children and families, it gives our communities a chance to come together and enjoy each other this summer,” said Robert Lewis, Jr., founder and President of the BASE, a Boston-based youth advocacy organization. “I’m excited that Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito are opening doors for our neighborhoods and thank them for their continuing commitment to building stronger communities in Boston and throughout the Commonwealth.”
Starting on July 9 – August 14, 2015, the following DCR facilities will commence extended summer hours:
· Allied Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool, Everett, Thursday nights until 8:00PM in July and 7:30PM in August;
· Higgins Street Hockey Rink, South Boston, MA, open Tuesdays and Thursdays until 10:00PM in July and August;
· Holland Memorial Pool, Malden, MA, open on Thursday nights until 8:00PM in July and 7:30PM in August;
· Moynihan Recreation Area, Hyde Park, Wednesday and Thursday nights the basketball courts will be open with lights on until 10:30PM in July and August;
· Melnea Cass Swimming Pool, Roxbury, MA, open on Tuesday nights until 8:00PM in July and 7:30PM in August;
· Melnea Cass Arena, Roxbury, will be open Wednesday and Friday nights until 10:00PM in July and August;
· Olsen Pool, Hyde Park, MA, open Tuesday nights until 8:00PM in July and 7:30PM in August;
· Quinsigamond State Park, Regatta Point Waterfront, Worcester, MA, open Monday and Thursday nights until 8:00PM in July and 7:30PM in August;
· Quinsigamond State Park, Lake Park, Worcester, MA, open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday nights until 10:30PM in July and August;
· Ryan Wading Pool, Mattapan, MA open Thursday nights until 8:00PM in July and 7:30PM in August;
· Ryan Playground Tennis Court, Boston, MA, open Thursday nights until 10:00PM in July and August;
· Sara Jane Sherman Memorial Swimming Pool, Chicopee, MA, open on Thursday nights until 8:00PM in July and 7:30PM in August;
· Southwest Corridor Basketball Courts, Mission Hill, MA, open Tuesday and Thursday nights until 10:30PM in July and August;
· Southwest Corridor Park Spray Deck, Johnson Park in Jamaica Plain, MA open Tuesday and Thursday nights until 9:00pm in July and August; and
· Southwest Corridor Park Spray Deck, Mission Hill, MA open Tuesday and Thursday nights until 9:00PM in July and August.
“What better way to kick off July and the official start of summer than to create greater access to some of DCR’s facilities,” said DCR Commissioner Carol Sanchez. “I applaud Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for their efforts in ensuring that several of DCR’s pools and athletic complexes will have greater accessibility to school children this summer.”
The extended hours of operations and the expansion of the Free Family Flicksprogram will compliment other programs already offered by DCR for families at the hundreds of state parks, forests, and beaches across the state. To read more about the expansion of hours at select pools and parks, please visit DCR’s webpage.
