Here's When Worcester Beaches, Pools Will Open In 2024

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester is targeting a July opening date for the city's four beaches and the Crompton Park pool, but aquatic activities will look a little different for summer 2024.

Worcester has had trouble hiring lifeguards to staff swimming areas in recent years — a period that saw several drownings, although none at city swimming areas proper — and so this summer will use the YMCA of Central Massachusetts for staffing.

"The YMCA will recruit, train, and staff the beaches and pool from the beginning of July until mid-August," the city said in a news release this week. "The YMCA will use its access to indoor pool facilities and training programs to assist in staffing the program. Additionally, because the YMCA has year-round facilities, the trained lifeguards will be able to transfer into year-round positions at its facilities."

Rob Antonelli, Worcester's parks director, told city councilors on Tuesday the department is on track to open swimming areas by July 1. The beaches are located at Bell Hill Park, Coes Pond and two at Indian Lake. Worcester will still manage the city's two spray parks at East Park and Greenwood Park, plus activities like trash removal and testing water quality.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation will open its freshwater and saltwater beaches over Memorial Day weekend, including the two Lake Quinsigamond State Park beaches. DCR's Bennett Field and Dennis F. Shine Memorial pools typically open in late June.

The YMCA is hiring lifeguards in the Worcester area right now.