Boston Schools, City Officials Vow Pool Repairs in Two to Three Months

BOSTON — November 21, 2024 — Boston city officials say repairs to the long-closed Condon Community Center pool in South Boston could begin by March after a procurement contract is advertised within two to three weeks. At a November 21 hearing of the City Council's Committee on Strong Women, Families, and Communities, chaired by Councilor Erin J. Murphy, Boston Public Schools Chief of Operations Brian Ford said BPS has spent roughly $3.2 million on pool infrastructure over 18 months and anticipates needing $4 million more to finish repairs across the district this fiscal year, rising to as much as $6 million annually going forward. Property Management Commissioner Eamon Shelton confirmed that 11 of the city's 18 pools were open last summer, up from the previous year. Councilor Edward M. Flynn pressed officials on the Blackstone pool in the South End, which Ford said requires a full excavation due to groundwater intrusion and cracked drain lines — a capital project Ford acknowledged could take years. Flynn said he "can't accept no for an answer" for constituents in public housing who rely on BCYF pools as their only swimming option.