BUCKLAND — With shovels in hand, town officials gathered Monday to celebrate the start of construction on the nearly $2.1 million community swimming pool and accompanying pool house at the Buckland Recreation Area.
“I just can’t believe it’s happening,” said Cynthia Schwartz, chair of the Recreation Committee, after the ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday morning. “I want to pinch myself.”
The new pool, which will be completed by summer 2023, replaces the pool at the Buckland Recreation Area on Ashfield Road (Route 112) that was closed in 2016 and subsequently removed. Work will be completed by Westfield Construction Co., which presented the lowest bid of $2,068,321.
Standing alongside representation from the Finance Committee, Selectboard and School Committee, Schwartz thanked her peers on the Recreation Committee, the Friends of Buckland Recreation Committee, members of the community as well as “government partners” for making the project possible.
“We could not have gotten to this place without your effort,” she said, a sentiment others echoed. “We are so proud of all that has been accomplished on the road to this groundbreaking and to be in partnership with all of you as this project moves forward.”
In addition to a $400,000 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant, Special Town Meeting voters in October 2021 approved $1,263,104 for planning, designing and constructing the new pool and pool house. This July, after bids came in higher than anticipated, residents approved another $300,000 toward the project, with the unanimous vote from 148 residents eliciting cheers, smiles and hugs.
“It does feel amazing,” said Recreation Committee member Carol Foote, who used to spend summers with her children at the former pool. “After everything, you don’t know if it’s going to be a reality. … But today proves … it can happen.”
Rob Marcalow of Kuth Ranieri Architects previously said the pool will have a shallow end on its east side and noted the area has excellent sun exposure.
The pool, he said, will turn 45 degrees into its deeper end, essentially creating spots for wading, standing and swimming. The pool is designed to be 2,413 square feet — roughly 90 feet by 60 feet — with depths ranging from 6 inches to 7 feet, 3 inches.
“This has been such a process getting here, so it’s nice to finally be getting started,” said the Gill native who spent his summer at the old pool. Marcalow said he plans to bring his family to the new pool when it’s completed.
Selectboard member Larry Wells was also among the town officials involved in Monday’s groundbreaking — though he gave all the credit for the project to members of the Recreation Committee and town administration.
“I’m thrilled, like everyone else,” Wells commented. “It’s well-needed; the town needs it. … This is going to bring people (to Buckland). We always need more stuff to bring people to town.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.