Framingham Councilors Mull Purchase Of Belknap Pool, Tennis Club

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham has the option to buy the private Belknap Pool and Tennis Club, but city leaders would have to decide whether to spend potentially millions to rehabilitate it or hold onto it as open space — or another potential unseen use.

The club, located at 351 Belknap Road, has been on the market for $349,000, and in November a Natick man entered into a purchase agreement with the owner. But because the club is classified under state law as recreational land, Framingham has the right of first refusal to buy it.

The City Council Finance Subcommittee on Tuesday night discussed several possibilities for the property, including operating it as a parks and recreation facility.

It's possible Framingham could buy the property outright for about $315,000, but it might cost up to $2 million to make it useable. The pool's apron needs to be completely replaced, and a building on the property has to be completely renovated, Chief Financial Officer Mary Ellen Kelly said.

Councilors highlighted Belknap would add a needed recreation option for young people, and could even be used as a summer camp.

"You have to think creatively; I don't think you can spend $2 million on a pool," At-Large Councilor George King said. "I think it's worth talking about."

The facility opened in the late 1950s and was operated by the Framingham Swimming Pool Association. Belknap closed in 2018, however, after declining membership.

The club sits on a single parcel of land, and an appraisal said it would likely have to remain that way for future use. It would be possible to divide the property into two parcels, allowing the potential development of private homes, the appraisal said. But several Councilors didn't like the idea of the property falling into private hands, killing the possibility of at least preserving the site for open space.

The Councilors decided to continue to explore the purchase and will meet with Mayor Yvonne Spicer and Chief Operating Officer Thatcher Kezer at a later date.