WORCESTER – Aquatic recreational facilities operated by the City of Worcester will open on June 30 with a staggered opening approach due to staffing shortages, according to City Manager Eric Batista’s office.
Spray Parks at East Park and Greenwood Park will open on Friday, June 30, and operate from noon to 7 PM, seven days a week until Labor Day on Sept. 4.
Bell Pond Beach and Coes Pond Beach also open Friday, June 30, with no lifeguards or parks attendants on duty. Individuals which choose to access either beach do so at their own risk. Both are open 11 AM to 5 PM daily. Portable toilets will be available. Bathroom facilities will be closed.
Shore Park Beach, operated by the Greendale YMCA, also opens Friday, July 1, and is open seven days a week noon to 7 PM until August 20.
Crompton Park Pool opens on Tuesday, July 4 with limited capacity and lifeguard attendants. It operates daily from noon to 7 PM until Sept. 4.
Indian Lake Beach will not open this season.
There are also three state-operated facilities in Worcester:
- Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool, 146 Providence St.
- Quinsigamond State Park, 10 N. Lake Ave.
- Veterans Memorial (Bennett Field) Swimming Pool, 1270 Main St.
Assistant Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Rob Antonelli says the city has “worked with the local colleges, Worcester Public Schools, and our own Human Resources department on recruitment strategies” but faces a statewide shortage of lifeguards.
Editors Note: This story was updated to reflect an update from the City of Worcester on the opening date for Shore Park Beach from June 30 to July 1.
