Norwood, Mass. — On Monday, the Norwood Department of Recreation hosted the first in a series of community meetings to get feedback on the renovation of two community swimming pools: Howth and Father Mike.

Travis Farley, director of the Recreation Department, explained that in the past year, the department has analyzed the usage and conditions of aging facilities. The entertainment department at the town meeting in January received $80,000 in community protection bill funding to complete the pool analysis performed by Kuth Ranieri Architects. A joint committee composed of town officials from multiple committees contributed to this process.

Farley said: "These two swimming pools have been heavily used," he pointed out that due to the pandemic, it is expected to decline in 2020. In 2019, 250 people participated in swimming lessons, and this year there are 200 people between the two.

In Hawes, some measures need to be taken to make the facility comply with ADA standards. The gate needs to be repaired or replaced for easier access. For the swimming pool itself, there needs to be a ramp or a mechanical chair lift so that all users can use it.

One resident pointed out that to provide access for all children, both are needed.

The biggest problem the architect found was that the swimming pool leaked about 10,000 gallons of water every day, which is equivalent to leaking one inch every 24 hours.

Solutions include addressing leaks in fixtures or full replacement because the equipment has reached the end of its life.

Another problem with swimming pools is that there is no shallow water area for beginners to swim. A shallow pool can be selected near the existing swimming pool, as well as a new diagonal pad. The new design shows two entrances, so independent access to the splash plate and swimming pool is possible.

In the next few months, we will collect comments and submit a final design with feedback at the next town meeting.

Residents proposed the expected new construction of nearby Coakley Middle School, which will be carried out at the same time, and asked whether they would consider building an indoor swimming pool on the Hawes site. A resident pointed out that Westwood's indoor swimming pool can be rented, which makes it a source of income for the town.

"We did explore this option," Farley said. He pointed out that costs and staffing requirements will increase. This summer, getting a summer lifeguard was a challenge.

A path from the school to the swimming pool can be created to make it easier for students to enter.

It also discussed changing traffic routes through the Savage Center to reduce the impact on the community.

At Father Mike's house, the concrete began to crack. The bathhouse is not a complaint of ADA, and it has been in disrepair, the paint is peeling off, and the wood is rotten.

Refurbishment is an idea to add a shallower end for novice swimmers. Another exciting concept is to expand the pool area with a new splash pad, which can be transformed into a skating area in winter. The final design will be an indoor facility with a water slide.

Farley said: "We all agree that Father Mike should include some water elements."

Some people advocate refurbishing the swimming pool instead of the sprinkler park, and point out that summer camp participants will flood the sprinkler park area.

The construction is expected to take several years and may be affected by the construction of the middle school.

Farley said that the next forum will be held in a mixed format in January.