Dive in! Flaherty Pool Reopens with Celebration in Roslindale

Article and photos by John Radosta

The pool is open!

After nine months, Roslindale’s Flaherty Pool renovation is complete – on budget, and three months early. The $5.6 million project has given the building all new systems, including improved air-conditioning and a filtration unit that can be monitored remotely. 

The locker rooms, which had been falling apart, have been completely renewed, with better lockers, new showers, and even bathing suit dryers. One feature that many parents had requested has been added as well: a family changing area. 

"Our families deserve great options to cool off, get some exercise, and have fun right here in Roslindale,” said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. “The newly update BCYF Flaherty Pool provides a place for community to gather together to beat the summer heat and enjoy some of what our city has to offer.”

Menino said he was “particularly proud” the new pool incorporates more natural light from skylights and glass doors. 

The re-opening celebration on Tuesday night, with Daphne Griffin, executive director of BCYF acting as emcee. She also presented Menino with a token of thanks from the Flaherty Dolphins swim team and other swimmers at the Flaherty: naming Menino an Honorary Lifeguard, complete with hat, suit and survival pack.

“Thanks for keeping our feet to the fire and making this dream a reality," said District 5 City Councilor Rob Consalvo during his remarks.

And a dream it is. In addition to the interior improvements, outside the parking has been expanded, and the patio, which had once been hidden behind high gray metal fencing, is now wider, with several large picnic tables. Unseen are the reinforced foundations and all new wiring.

Matthew Cummings, a 14-year old volunteer at the pool, said during the ceremony, “This pool is something I needed… I’m excited to be back.” 

Savion Allen-Harding, a member of the Flaherty Dolphins swim team said, “It’s cooool.”

In addition to the many community programs that the pool will host, including summer camps swim lessons, and early morning lap swimmers, the Flaherty Dolphins will be very excited to be home. The Dolphins, a diverse and very successful team that recently placed ninth out of 42 teams in a national championship, is, according to Consalvo - a hidden jewel in the city. 

“They deserve [this pool]. The community deserves it,” said Consalvo. 

Dolphins coach Louis Barnes, who is also interim manager of the pool. “It’s good to be back, the pool’s amazing, the kids are excited, we can’t wait to start the season here. All the teams are going to be excited when they come.” 

With new benches, bleachers, and an electronic score board, competitions will be much more exciting to watch. 

"Keep those Flaherty swimmers going. I read about them all the time," added Menino. "They win awards here and there – they’re a great team. Keep up that great team. And we’ll continue to invest in the youngsters in this city… Stay engaged, stay in involved, that’s how Boston works.”

The reopening coincided with the start of the annual “Boston R.O.C.K.S.!!!” campaign, a free drop-in program for ages 8-18 that provides structured games, sport activities and arts projects at each of ten locations throughout the city. Along the patio, they had a small petting zoo with ducks, bunnies, and even a pig and kid goat. Next to that, human kids lined up for a turn on the inflatable obstacle course, and under a tent, groups such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Sheriff’s office, and others, had activities and information for children and families.