Due To Needed Repairs, The CT Hospice's Community Pool Shuttered For Summer, Lions Club Makes $1K Donation

BRANFORD, CT —The Connecticut Hospice recently announced that the community swimming pool on its Branford campus will be closed to the public for the remainder of the 2026 season due to safety concerns related to the pool's age.

"The safety of patients, families, staff, and community members remains The Connecticut Hospice's highest priority," a statement from the organization reads. "The temporary closure will allow time for the reported concerns to be fully assessed and the necessary repairs to be determined."

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It's noted that The Connecticut Hospice is working closely with the Town of Branford and its Parks, Recreation & Senior Services Department to "evaluate the scope of the work and obtain repair estimates."

"The safety of everyone who visits our campus must come first," said Sylvia Allais, CEO of The Connecticut Hospice. "We also know how much this pool means to the Branford community, and we share their disappointment that it will be unavailable through the rest of the summer. We are committed to working collaboratively with the Town and Parks and Recreation to understand what is needed and determine a responsible path forward."

The pool at the Double Beach campus has long provided a place for recreation, connection, and shared summer experiences, it's noted in a news release. "The Connecticut Hospice values the role it plays on its campus and in the community and looks forward to sharing more information as the assessment moves forward."

Meanwhile, the Branford Lions Club has begun a campaign to "save the pool at Hospice for summer 2027 and beyond."

According to the Lions Club, former Parks & Recreation director and current president of the Branford Lions Club, Alex Palluzzi, Jr. along with past president Dr. Jim Mendillo are spearheading the effort. In a release, the Lions Club said it's made a $1,000 donation plus a $1,000 matching grant to begin the fundraising effort.

The Lions Club noted some of the repair issues that have closed the pool. See the post on Facebook here.

The Club noted that The Connecticut Hospice and the town of Branford have "partnered together for over a decade to provide the pool to patients, families, and the public during the summer months with public swim, swim lessons, summer camps, training for lifeguards, and a host of other aquatic programs."

"The pool at Hospice is a great asset to the Branford community, aligning itself with Double Beach, Branford Harbor, and Long Island Sound," it said, encouraing folks to join the campaign.

Donate here.