With the construction of the long-planned Interstate 391 a certainty, the beyond-repair Ward 6 Pool on High Street was condemned in 1974 and ultimately demolished in the late 1970s.
Discussions regarding the construction of a replacement pool continued throughout the 1970s. The Federal Highway Administration would reimburse the city for the funds used to construct a new pool. The question became where to situate the pool, which was extensively debated. Peck School, Community Field, and Elm Street, adjacent to the Fitzpatrick Ice Arena, were all under consideration.
In 1978, the city sought approval from the state to either transfer title or allow the use of land adjoining the state-owned Fitzpatrick Arena. In October 1979, Governor Edward King signed a bill transferring the land near the ice rink to the City of Holyoke, intended to construct a new swimming pool.
The plan called for an L-shaped pool 25% larger than the former Ward 6 pool's 3,600 square feet. The approximate construction cost was nearly $500,000.
In January 1980, a proposal was raised by Alderman John Flynn to consider an indoor pool at the Peck Junior High School. The indoor pool would be available throughout the year. The proposal originated from three of the ninth-grade classes at the Peck School. Not only did this meet the students' desires, but it also proved to be a valuable civics lesson in the operation of government. The process had progressed too far to reconsider the selected site.
An additional delay occurred in March 1980, as the architect's plans did not include a cost estimate for the preferred Fitzpatrick Rink site. A further dispute arose between the city and state over responsibility for any potential vandalism at the Fitzpatrick Rink. This was settled in November 1980, and the city accepted responsibility for patrolling both the rink and the pool area.
The delays in commencing construction meant the pool would not be ready in 1981. Requests for proposals to bid on the project were issued in December, with a deadline of late January 1981.
In March 1981, the mayor signed the $575,000 contract with Aquadro and Cerruti, general contractors in Northampton, for building the L-shaped pool and wading pool.
Groundbreaking for the pool occurred on April 10, 1981, with completion scheduled for the autumn. The pool would be available for the 1982 summer season.
The pool was opened in June 1982 and was simply called the Ward 6 Pool, just as its predecessor had been.
On August 3, 1990, Roland Pouiliot, the respected and resourceful eighteen-year Parks and Recreation employee, was honored, and the Ward 6 Pool was dedicated in his name.
The pool provided a welcome opportunity for children and adults to enjoy swimming, play, and relaxing times.
Cracks and structural damage resulted in the pool's closing in 2015. In 2018, the City Council approved a $550,000 bond as part of the $2.2m budget for site preparation, demolition of the existing pools, and renovation. The Roland Pouliot Pool reopened in June 2021, nearly seven years after it was closed.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Photo of Roland Pouliot at the pool dedication on April 3, 1990
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