Patton Park or Ipswich YMCA Pool?

Many in Hamilton and Wenham have asked for information about the proposed pool project at the Ipswich YMCA. Here are some renderings and additional information about the project.

The plan calls for an Outdoor Aquatic Center which includes an outdoor pool with slides, aquatic fitness elements, three 25-yard lap lanes, outdoor restrooms and an outdoor cafe and community gathering space. Older adults will benefit from features such as zero depth entry in the outdoor pool and a therapeutic spa in the indoor pool. Of course, the pool will also be heated so as to extend the season of use. For safety and convenience, there will be dedicated youth locker rooms and dedicated adult locker rooms with saunas. Additional amenities include enhanced facility “GREEN” initiatives and movement of the outdoor retention pond to allow for more field space.

Costs for membership can be found online at the Ipswich Y website, and they are very reasonable.

The entire cost of the proposed $3.6 million Ipswich project is being paid for by donations, of which about $2.5 million has been already pledged. The anticipated timeline is to begin construction in the fall of 2015 and have the pool open in the spring of 2016.

The Ipswich YMCA currently has about 400 Hamilton resident family memberships, second only to Ipswich in membership. Apparently many Hamilton families already are taking advantage of the benefits of the Y’s programs and planned pool and recreation expansion.

Question: Should Hamilton seek to reinvent another pool (of lesser magnitude, but at a cost of $2 million of your tax dollars) so close to the Ipswich YMCA facility (no tax dollars used)?

If you favor using the new Ipswich Y Aquatic Center over a proposed Patton Park pool, [click here] to show your support.