New Fino Field Pool In Milford: Town Takes First Step Toward Construction

MILFORD, MA — The much-anticipated rebuild of the public pool at Fino Field will take a step toward construction on Tuesday when Milford parks officials head to the Planning Board.

At Tuesday's meeting, Milford Parks and Recreation Administrator James Asam will ask the board to sign off on plans for a rebuilt pool that uses portions of the old facility to limit construction activities near Milford Pond.

The new Fino Field pool will feature a ground-level entry point that's handicap accessible, plus a new spray deck and playground.

"The new swimming pool will be constructed within the footprint of the existing pool. Small sections of the existing pool will be removed to accommodate new drains and piping. The majority of the pool, including the existing bulkhead, will remain in place. The pool provides a beach-style entry, full handicap accessibility, and a large area that can accommodate recreational swimming, swim lessons and lap swimming," the town's architect, Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype said in a memo to the Planning Board.

The pool has not been open since the 2019 swimming season, in partly due to the pandemic. Town Meeting in October 2021 approved spending $4.6 million on the Fino Field pool upgrade.

With the Fino Field pool closed, local residents have been relying on the Sen. P. Eugene Casey Memorial Swimming Pool operated by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Casey pool has seen long lines during recent hot days, with swimmers having to wait outside for space to open up.

It's possible the Planning Board will sign off on plans for the pool at Tuesday's meeting. But several town departments are asking the parks department to make changes, including the reconstruction of a drainpipe and adding a fire hydrant.

If all goes as planned, the Fino Field pool could be open for the 2024 season, according to the Planning Board memo.