Since January, the Swim Winchester committee, a group of local residents, has been developing a thorough and phased plan for building a community pool. The first phase is starting now and Swim Winchester is reaching out to the community for donations.
The 6-8 lane lap pool and a smaller therapy pool will be built alongside Winchester High School in a detached building by the field house, the site of the pool that was planned with the original building. The goal is to create an all-season, indoor community swimming facility that meets the needs of all Winchester residents, from infants to seniors and is financially self-supporting. The facility and pools will be easily accessible to the public and useable by all, including those with limited mobility and disabilities.
The first phase is to conduct a feasibility study, and the group has commissioned Counsilman–Hunsaker, a well-known aquatics consulting and design firm, to provide a clear understanding of what can built within the designated space and determine the factors necessary for creating a self-sustaining community pool that does not require yearly funding from the town. The study is planned to begin in June.
To conduct the feasibility study, Swim Winchester must raise $20,000 in private donations. The group has already received a grant from the EnKa Society to host a community design meeting on the pool as part of the study.
Swim Winchester is asking for help from Winchester residents who are interested in having a community pool. An anonymous donor will match any donations up to $1,000 that are collected online or postmarked in the first 48 hours of Phase 1 fundraising, from Thursday, May 2 through Saturday, May 4. Donations can be made through the secure payment system on the Swim Winchester website or mailed to Swim Winchester, P.O. Box 44, Winchester, MA 01890 (checks made payable to Swim Winchester).
For more information, visit the Swim Winchester website or join the Facebook group to receive regular updates. Swim Winchester will also be hosting a booth at Town Day on Saturday, June 1 and all residents are encouraged to drop by to learn more about the plans for a community pool.