City officials describe recent investments and maintenance plans as council presses for clarity on timelines

During a two-hour administration presentation at the June 29 hearing, Boston officials gave a status overview of the municipal pool network and the city’s strategy to reduce long closures.

Eddie McGuire (BCYF) and Sam Levinson (Property Management Department) told the committee that the city owns 22 pools, 18 of which are operated by Boston Centers for Youth and Families. Levinson said the city received a $5 million American Rescue Plan Act grant in 2022 dedicated to aquatic repairs and that the departments have restructured maintenance contracts since 2024 to reduce unplanned downtime.

"There are 22 pools owned by the city. 18 of the pools are operated by BCF," McGuire said in his presentation. Sam Levinson described a two-pronged approach: prioritized capital investments for facilities that require major renovation and stronger maintenance contracts and parts availability to prevent short-term closures.

Brian Ford, BPS chief of operations, said the schools system has added dedicated pool staff positions and cited $3.5 million in general contracting funds in 2024 and a $4 million contract in 2025 to address repairs across school pools. He said nine schools currently run swim programs that serve about 1,300 students and that BPS is integrating swim and water safety into the 2026 physical-education framework.

Officials listed upcoming projects: Curtis Hall pool will close in July 2026 for roughly a year for renovation; Maribel pool is closed for a North End community center rebuild and could return in 2028; Grove Hall’s new community center will include a pool; Mason pool is in design. Staff said some of the longest closures result from structural work (excavation, shell replacement) rather than routine repairs and therefore take far longer.

Councilors used the presentation to press for more granular timelines and operational transparency (for example, asking whether specific pools are inspected and when they will reopen). Administration staff committed to follow-up communications, promised to put some lists and maps in writing, and said they would continue monthly coordination among BCF, PMD and BPS to manage closures and reopenings.

The hearing did not result in formal votes. Officials said they will provide follow-up information to the committee on inspection results, contract forecasts and schedules as requested.