Petersen Pool and Ice Rinks to Become Reality

Fights for ice and pool time are on the verge of becoming a thing of the past for Braintree athletes.

After 52 years of work and discussions, Mayor Joseph Sullivan announced Friday, a $22 million project that will bring a swimming pool and a new athletic center to East Braintree.

“This is a big day for Braintree. There are a lot of officials who thought this day would never come,” Sullivan said.

Located at Braintree High School, the 150,000-square-foot complex will feature two hockey rinks, a basketball court, a multi-use court, a conference room, the long awaited Petersen Pool, and plans for an indoor baseball diamond.

Both rinks will feature the logos and colors of Braintree High School and separate locker rooms exclusively for the Braintree boys’ and girls’ hockey teams. Both teams will have a tunnel that takes the squads directly to their bench.

The main rink will have seating for about 1,000 fans while the second rink seats 250. A heated mezzanine with concessions is located between the two rinks.

The indoor diamond can also be used as a practice space for 7 on 7 football passing drills, lacrosse, and soccer.

The pool includes a 1.2-meter diving board and seating for fans will be elevated.

No public money will be used to develop the facility. The town’s only contribution will be the six acres land and $1.5 million from the Petersen Fund. Revenue from the project will come from rental fees. Braintree residents will receive priority for use and lower rates.

Talks of a pool in East Braintree go back to 1963 when tugboat captain August Julius Petersen left the town $65,000 for a pool. Unable to build a pool, the town installed the Petersen Splash Pad in 2013.

The complex needs final votes from the school committee, town council, and planning board with the groundbreaking to take place at the end of the summer. Construction is expected to last 13-14 months.