Ward 2 Pool

 In previous blogs, the early 20th-century swimming pools were discussed, and more recently, the Ward 4 outdoor pool, which opened in 1925, was highlighted. There are several more pools to present, including the 1920s Wards 2 and 6 pools, Feldman Pool, Roland Pouliot Pool (Ward 6 replacement pool), and Chmura Pool.  There were also wading pools in various parts of the city. Today's focus is the story of the Ward 2 outdoor pool at the corner of Jackson and South Canal Streets.

In early 1926, the city began negotiating with the Holyoke Water Power Company (HWP) for the purchase of land at the northwest corner of Jackson and South Bridge Streets. The city wanted to build a new swimming pool to serve the residents of the neighborhood. It had been 21 years since the planned expansion of the Morgan School eliminated the previous bathhouse.

In May 1926, HWP reduced its asking price of $26,000 to $15,579.65 to gain concessions for a Prospect Playground project. The price was accepted. The city DPW excavated for the pool and contracted for the remaining construction.

On August 9, 1926, the pool was opened to the delight of hundreds who waited in line to enter. The pool was 40 feet wide and 90 feet long with eight swimming lanes. At its shallowest, it was six feet deep, and at its deepest point, eight feet. There were 208 lockers available for storing clothing and personal effects.

It didn't take long for swim and diving competitions and exhibitions to take place. The pool remained open for the final four weeks of its first season.

As with other pools in the city over the years, there were boys' days, girls' days, and designated times for adults. There was also a small playground adjacent to the pool.

For the 1966 season, it was reported that the Ward 2 swimming pool was the most attended of any pool in the city.

The bathhouse underwent renovations in 1977, and due to a shortage of materials, it did not open until late July. In 1978, construction bids were solicited for the building of basketball and handball courts, installation of park benches, trees, and additional lighting.

In 1982, tragedy struck when a six-year-old and an eight-year-old brother and sister drowned. Additional safety requirements were implemented, and the "Learn to Swim" program was expanded. The Holyoke YMCA and the  Boys Club would be offering off-season swimming lessons. A limit of fifteen swimmers per lifeguard was imposed. 

Although the pool was refurbished in 1978, this did not include its antiquated piping and drains. The pool was closed for the 1984 season. Lawler Construction was hired to perform the necessary pipe work, which involved digging up portions of the pool and deck.

Vandalism was more prevalent in 1987, and the pool needed to be shut down due to the destruction of pool filters and other equipment. All pools in the city were closed in 1989 due to budgetary constraints. The closings continued into the 1990s.

In 1995, the city applied for $100,000 in state and federal grants to invest in the Ward 2 pool, basketball courts, and abutting play area. The city actually received $116,200 in funds for this purpose.

The total cost to complete all pool and park renovations was in the area of $500,000. Since no additional funding was anticipated, the pool, last used in 1987, could not be saved. The pool was removed in 1997.

Citations:

Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.