Wading Pool to be Replaced, Splash Pad Added

The wading pool at Bradley Palmer State Park is planned to undergo a “modernization project” this fall, according to state officials.

The project will demolish and replace the existing wading pool with “a new integrated wading pool and spray deck.”

The project is expected to cost $1.2 million and will be funded by the state Division of Conservation Services, which offers grants to municipalities and non-profit organizations for park development. The park is operated by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Bids on the project are due on Sept. 24 and a prebid meeting is scheduled at the pool on Sept. 11 for interested contractors.

The pool is accessed from the state park’s main entrance off Asbury Street in Topsfield but is located on the Hamilton side of the park.

The existing pool is large and shallow, with “spray” features that include a big mushroom and a turtle. The specific design of the new pool was not available Thursday from DCR or DCS officials.

The pool is open weekends until from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. from late May to late June and then daily until Sept. 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The park charges $5 per car to park at the pool.