Construction on town pool, rink nearing completion
By Mike Berger
The Bolivar pool facility under construction during the spring. (Mike Tureski photo)
Construction continues on the new town pool and renovated Metropolis Skating Rink, with both facilities likely to be completed in the coming weeks.
The brand-new aquatics center, which is being built on the site of the former town pool on Bolivar Street, was originally slated for completion by late July or early August. However, construction had to be halted in the spring due to COVID-19 emergency restrictions, pushing the timeline back by several weeks and delaying opening until 2021.
In the meantime, Canton Parks & Recreation Director Liz Francis said the pool will be filled with water to make sure all filtration systems are working properly, and there remains a possibility that a public viewing could be held sometime in the fall.
As for the rink, which also experienced construction delays, Francis said work is wrapping up and state inspections are on the horizon. Once the inspections are completed, Francis can then turn her attention to COVID-19 health protocols. “We are anxious to get going, but we have to go through the right steps,” she said.
Francis said permitting, health protocols, and rental fees are all subject to review by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which leases the rink to the town. The health protocols are also subject to review by state health officials and the Canton Board of Health.
Just a few weeks ago, the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) approved new rules and protocols allowing for youth hockey games to be played, and the DCR last week announced the reopening of state-run rinks in Boston and Charlestown as of September 30 and the return of public skating effective November 27.
Regarding possible rental fees for Metropolis Rink, Francis said there had been little progress since her initial discussions with DCR officials in February; however, she acknowledged that the agency has had its hands full in recent months with management of state parks and swimming facilities during COVID-19.
Francis remains optimistic that once the construction and state inspections are completed, further discussions will follow and rates will be established for skaters and youth and high school hockey programs wishing to use the rink.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=69898
Posted by Mike Berger
on Sep 18 2020. Filed under News, Town Government.
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