18:50:23 From Robin to Hosts and panelists: this is what 18:50:43 From IT City of Newton to Hosts and panelists: chat 19:10:24 From Debbie Sussman to Hosts and panelists: Is this project to rehab the pool etc or to build new? 19:10:32 From Susan Servais to Hosts and panelists: Gath pool is not Senior friendly! We will not sit on cement because we cannot get back up. You must expand the deck and allow visitors to bring their own beach chairs some of which have little umbrellas attached to protect from the sun. 19:11:52 From Mary Pohlman to Hosts and panelists: Now more than ever Newton needs a year-round community pool. The two City high schools have changed their academic hours to 9:00 - 3:45, which is greatly impacting after school programs including Newton North, Newton South and the Newton Bluefish Swim Team. We have all lost pool time. Athletes Unlimited which participates in the Special Olympics no longer has use of the pool, there is no adult/senior swim lap swim and swimming lessons are limited to only Sunday morning on the weekends as NN is using the pool on Saturday morning to make up for lost pool time due to the change in school hours. Scott and I (Mary Pohlman), as coaches of the Parks and Rec Newton Bluefish Swim Team, envision a 10 lane pool that is yards one way (short course) and meters the other way deep end to shallow end (long course) with a zero entry (meaning the elderly/toddlers/special needs could walk down a ramp for easier access to use the pool - no more lift!). The City needs a community pool that can be used more than two months out 19:13:10 From Paul Zaczkiewicz to Hosts and panelists: The Belmont pool looks really interesting, though I only looked at it from a distance. Multiple pools of varying depths, a large slide, and a splash zone if I recall correctly. The current Gath pool by contrast only has 2 pools, 2 diving boards, and a slide that is often not available. Are there plans to add a wider assortment of permeant water elements? 19:15:15 From Karen Stevens to Hosts and panelists: As the Newton North pool has more or less ceased to be a community resource with the modified school schedule and use by multiple school teams from North and South, we need a year-round community pool. Gath seems like the perfect fit. Spending heavily to simply fix the leak is insufficient. Making Gath a year-round facility by enclosing it would offer relief to the oversubscription of the North pool by giving a home to swim lessons, community fitness options, and the Bluefish swim team among others. Please consider the Gath Pool as a full-service, year-round facility. Thank you 19:15:47 From JULIA MALAKIE to Hosts and panelists: Is that floor wet? 19:16:17 From Catherine Taylor to Hosts and panelists: Our family loves using the pool, it is great that this facility is in walking distance for our 10 and 12 year old to go there. During the future renovations, it would be good to do them during the off-season so our short swimming season isn't shortened. Potential improvements would be more "family" changing rooms so we don't have to take little boys into the women's room and girls into the men's room. Also, would like the water in the pool to be warmer. We could use more shade and sitting options on the deck. The wading pool should be connected to the main pool so that a parent with kids of different abilities can supervise all their kids easily. My kids like having the slide and diving board to make it more "fun". They also suggest having more 3ft depth area, where more kids can touch the bottom. But we do NOT need the "taj mahal" of pools - keep the cost reasonable and focus on controlling operating and maintenance costs. Kids will have fun anywhere. 19:17:12 From PAM WRIGHT to IT City of Newton(Direct Message): please move councilors Tarik Lucas, Emily Norton to panelists 19:18:26 From PAM WRIGHT to IT City of Newton(Direct Message): also councilor John Oliver and Jonathan Yeo (not sure title but works for mayor) 19:19:01 From Brian Sullivan to Hosts and panelists: I am a Newton Bluefish parent and a swimmer. This project is important to me and my family. 19:19:23 From Catherine Taylor to Hosts and panelists: Who was Harry Gath? Is there an opportunity to honor another member of the Newton community with the facility (perhaps a women or a person of color?) 19:19:48 From Catherine Taylor to Hosts and panelists: There is interest from the kids in having a snack bar! 19:19:53 From Carolyn Gombosi to Hosts and panelists: Unisex family changing rooms are needed (e.g., so that an adult disabled person can be attended to by an aide or family member). 19:21:43 From Donna Heimlich to Hosts and panelists: Will there be an indoor pool for winter season for practice for swim teams? 19:24:38 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: Can you make audience questions and comments visible to all so we don’t repeat questions and comments? 19:26:05 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: Please visit Charles River Aquatics in Wellesley and the BC pool. 19:26:26 From Sean Fitzgerald to Hosts and panelists: How will the new Gath Pool complex fit into the overall Master Plan for Albemarle Park? Is there an updated Master Plan for Albemarle Park so that a comprehensive plan will be considered for all recreational activities and not just the pool? 19:26:31 From C C to Hosts and panelists: Would love to see plans to extend the season… the number of months that the facility can be use here in New England. 19:26:48 From Yaman Habip to Hosts and panelists: My brother and I have been part of the Newton Bluefish team for almost 10 years. From discipline to leadership skills, swimming in Newton with Mary and Scott gave us the opportunity to develop ourselves well beyond the academic experience. We are convinced future generations may not have the same opportunity if the City of Newton does not invest in a dedicated indoor swimming pool that Newton Bluefish could utilize to equip our children and their children with such invaluable life skills. 19:27:15 From Susan Lynch to Hosts and panelists: Is a year round pool being considered? 19:27:31 From Jennifer Dundon to Hosts and panelists: Is there any possibility of an indoor pool for year round swimming? 19:27:40 From Christopher Weikart to Hosts and panelists: Any chance of an enclosed pool that can be used year-round? 19:27:56 From Jennifer Morgan to Hosts and panelists: Is there any opportunity to make the pool four seasons? 19:28:21 From Anne Aspell to Hosts and panelists: Is the pool and buildings going to be totally demolished and re-built? 19:28:29 From Scott Helman to Hosts and panelists: Thanks for doing this. I’m glad to hear Gath is being overhauled. It is badly needed. I strongly encourage the city to update not just the physical aspects but the entire culture and experience of the pool. In short, it’s just not a fun place for many families. The kids pool is bizarrely fenced off from the main pool. There’s no food, no chairs, no anything. And, if memory serves, one isn’t even allowed to bring those things. The water is (or at least used to be) freezing. The net result is it’s not a welcoming environment at all. It’s no coincidence that many Newton families join pools elsewhere, notably Weston, which offers tons of space, grass, chairs, a snack bar for kids and allowances for pizza and food to be brought in. It’s a wonderful experience. Thank you. 19:28:37 From James Cote to Hosts and panelists: thank you for the presentation. I look forward to working with all of you once I return to the City Council. 19:28:50 From Carolyn Gombosi to Hosts and panelists: Feasible to extend the seasons by 1) heating 2) some kind of projective "bubble" cover ? 19:29:05 From Scott Pohlman to Hosts and panelists: why are we looking to use 3 months out of the year and not a year round use . The NN pool can no longer handle all of the proposals you mention 19:29:07 From Lena Smolensky to Hosts and panelists: H I ! this w as the first y ear we participated in the Bluefish team this summer. The program is amazing!!! however the huge downside is its size. This is too small for a town like Newton. Please build a new one that will be good for competitive swimming! 19:29:18 From Poonsaeng Visudhiphan to Hosts and panelists: Will you consider to have a pool that can be utilized for all seasons? 19:29:18 From Paul Zaczkiewicz to Hosts and panelists: Is the pool limited to its current footprint? The surrounding park appears to have extra space available for expansion. 19:29:19 From Lynne Murphy to Hosts and panelists: While water play is a nice feature, I'd like to think the needs of the swim team are a priority. The Newton Bluefish team has been a source of pride for the community with numerous undefeated seasons. Have you considered Walpole's pool as an example? They have a bubble that they utilize in the winter months allowing their town teams to continue to practice. This would be wonderful to have given that the only other pool available to the Bluefish is Newton North and times are extremely limited. 19:29:19 From Ima Jonsdottir to Hosts and panelists: Will you consult with people with disabilities to find out what will be needed for optimal locker room and pool access, helpful equipment needed for locker room and pool, etc. 19:29:22 From LAURA MCGERIGLE to Hosts and panelists: All of these pools show the lap pools as going from shallow to deep. The eliminates the ability to walk/run in the lanes for exercise. Please take this into consideration! 19:29:30 From Sean Fitzgerald to Hosts and panelists: Can you please provide the next webinar zoom link in the chat? It’ll be easy to copy and paste in our calendars. Thanks! 19:29:37 From Alice to Hosts and panelists: Will this pool have a bubble over it so it can be used year round? The examples do not have this in surrounding areas 19:30:06 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: We need a year-round pool structure. Look at retractable wall glass pool enclosues and use of solar panels and geothermal heat, 19:30:18 From James K to Hosts and panelists: I am so happy that there are plans to renovate without relocating the pool. It is a Newton landmark and has provided so much recreational pleasure for those who utilize this facility. 19:30:40 From Jennifer Morgan to Hosts and panelists: Have local USA Swim club teams been contacted about potential use? 19:30:40 From Andrea Flint to Hosts and panelists: I am a Bluefish parent and I am a big supporter of this project! I am in favor of a 10 lane pool. We need the space for all the different groups and swim teams! thank you. 19:30:47 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: We need MUCH greater year-round pool capacity. 19:31:19 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: It is a quality of life issue, an equity issue and a public health and safety issue. 19:31:24 From James Chicoski to Hosts and panelists: Did you analyze how big of a facility would be required to meet the needs of an 85,000 person city? Anyone who has been to the Gath Pool in the summer knows how incredibly crowded not only the recreation area but also the lap lanes are. People regularly get into arguments about overly crowded lap lanes. 19:31:46 From Amy Lathrop to Hosts and panelists: Hi! Swim team parent here, and I'm an active swimmer myself! PLEASE separate the competitive swimming portion from play swim AND make it available year round. we desperately need this! 19:32:16 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: We need a year-round pool for recreational lap-swimming, swim competition and swim lessons. 19:32:24 From Carolyn Gombosi to Hosts and panelists: Have a small concession store that sells refreshments as well as items like bathing caps, earplugs, etc 19:32:42 From David DeWitt to Hosts and panelists: Is there any consideration being given to building two pools at different locations in the city. A single pool for a city of this size is never going to be sufficient. Weeks field, for example, would be a great location for a second pool. 19:33:05 From Julia Tulimieri to Hosts and panelists: Can you elaborate on what you mean by "within the limits of the footprint"? 19:33:21 From Jenny Bell to Hosts and panelists: Please consider building an Aquatics Center for all of Newton -- an indoor pool, an outdoor pool & great changing room facilities. Thanks and Go Bluefish! 19:33:24 From Jason Kaufman to Hosts and panelists: From Asher Kaufman, 11-year old Bluefish team member: As a bluefish swimmer, I feel that it would be a great addition to renovate the pool, and I believe it would benefit the whole community. 19:33:32 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: Swim lessons should be available to every child in Newton. Child drownings must be prevented as a public safety priority. Having year-round capacity for swimming lessons is critical. 19:33:35 From Christina Abele to Hosts and panelists: Is there a master plan for the entire park? Is it possible to build a new pool and keep the existing one open during construction. 19:34:13 From Susan Lynch to Hosts and panelists: Is the field house part of this? 19:34:31 From Todd Miller to Hosts and panelists: Has a year-round heated pool been considered? I am a fitness swimmer who loves to swim outdoors and would gladly pay a monthly membership fee to swim outdoors at a heated Gath Pool during the winter months. 19:34:58 From Poonsaeng Visudhiphan to Hosts and panelists: What is the budget and how will it affect the decision process? 19:34:59 From Sean Fitzgerald to Hosts and panelists: Who’s now heading up Friends of Albemarle? 19:34:59 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: The Newton Bluefish are one of the City’s greatest success stories. Mary Pohlman is a Newton treasure. The Bluefish need year-round swim team practice and meet capacity. 19:35:16 From Jean Takamatsu to Hosts and panelists: Are we considering an indoor pool option? Something that could be used year round? 19:35:58 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: Seniors need year-round access for lap swimming and exercise programs, and Zero entry access, and other ability accommodations. 19:36:10 From Kim Tulimieri to Hosts and panelists: Are you limited to the existing footprint or will this complex be expanded to include improvements? 19:36:13 From LAURA MCGERIGLE to Hosts and panelists: I’d like to thank Mayor Fuller….I am that Dispatcher from Newton Police that she spoke of! But more importantly, I have been going to this pool since the day it opened. It is a lifeline to me and to so many others. Please please please build us a new facility! 19:36:28 From Susan Lynch to Hosts and panelists: Zero entry would be terrific! 19:36:30 From JULIA MALAKIE to Everyone: Do you have comparative data on space taken up by main pool, other pools, decks, other features, on all the comparative pools. They look like they have much more space than Gath currently occupies. 19:36:43 From Tim Caputo to Hosts and panelists: https://www.stpeteparksrec.org//northshoreaquatic/ 19:36:55 From Michael Nelson to Hosts and panelists: indoor pool... feasible? 19:37:12 From Milana Mazurkevich to Hosts and panelists: We need a year round pool that can be used for more than 2 months out of the year 19:37:12 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: A baby/toddler pool must have safe places to set baby carriers and strollers. Parents have to set their Enfants on the concrete ground when gathering up belongings. It’s unsafe and unfair. 19:37:20 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: *infants 19:37:39 From Ralph Ranalli to Hosts and panelists: This discussion should begin with considering how to make the Gath a year-round pool. Bubble building technology is now mainstream, there are many pools that have them in Massachusetts. 19:37:47 From Lois Martin to Hosts and panelists: Last speaker said it - we need a totally accessible pool and all year round would be wonderful. 19:37:51 From Catherine Taylor to Hosts and panelists: Note: you don't need to read my comment outload and respond. Just wanted to provide input. Further discussion not necessary. 19:38:03 From Jenna Ceddia to Hosts and panelists: Is part of the plan looking at extending the pool season? May gets warm and hot and June is definitely HOT! Kids would love to swim in June as many activities end and they have lots of time after school. Lifeguards can also be available as many college students are home by mid-May. September, less so, but still many pools are open through mid-September. 19:38:15 From Ralph Ranalli to Hosts and panelists: Have you looked at pools that have seasonal bubble coverings? 19:38:21 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: The people who accompany children to the pool, but don’t swim need adequate seating and SHADE in the summer. 19:38:25 From Jean Takamatsu to Hosts and panelists: I believe Mary and Scott Pohlman's option for a year round pool would be very beneficial to the Newton community. 19:38:29 From JULIA MALAKIE to Everyone: I would like to see both an extended season and better hours for working people. 19:38:49 From Kristin Golden to Hosts and panelists: Hi – I’m the mother of 5. As a family we use both Gath pool and Crystal Lake. Two of my daughters swam for the Newton Bluefish at both Gath and Newton North High School. I have spent MANY hours at the Gath pool. We need two pools – 1. A pool for sports related uses – lessons, swim teams, water aerobics, specialty classes for youth and elders. 2. A pool that is a fun, community space. We should focus on how to create a fun, community space. Teens need a place to hang out. Families need a place to spend the day. 19:38:58 From Milana Mazurkevich to Hosts and panelists: An outdoor only pool will not serve the full Newton community year round. We need a pool where all swim teams can practice year round. 19:38:58 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: The Facilities for bathrooms and showers must be properly maintained and cleaned. 19:39:36 From Jason Kaufman to Hosts and panelists: From Asher Kaufman, 11-year old bluefish team member: It would be incredible to have a year round pool, such as a heated glass dome (retractable) which is featured at the Wayland pool. Also having seating for swim team parents would be great too. 19:39:48 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: A splash pad is fine, but we don’t need lots of garish structures. We need much more pool space. 19:39:54 From Rachel Zoob to Hosts and panelists: The city dream big: zero entry , meters on one side. Good chairs and shade for elderly, lots of room for kids and towels, a small snack stand with not a ton of choice but decent choices. This should be a meeting and gathering place. As a bluefish parents I think the focus should NOT be on competitive swimming pool time, majority of pool time should be on swim lessons , recreational opps for kids and the elderly. Buses to pool for affordable housing residents and from senior center. Competitive swimming is great and should happen, but needs to work around these other priorities (kids competitive sports get first preference too much). 19:40:08 From andrew wardly to Hosts and panelists: big VOTE for all year round facility! retractable roof for summer! 19:40:36 From andrew wardly to Hosts and panelists: or perhaps one pool covered and other outdoor! Thank you. exciting! 19:40:39 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: Unisex bathrooms - are these safe for children and women? Please put child safety and privacy first. 19:41:06 From Anne and Neil Schreiner to Hosts and panelists: a walk-in shallow end without a ladder would be a wonderful addition, thanks 19:41:19 From Catherine Taylor to Hosts and panelists: ON the topic of making it a year-round pool, we would like to keep it as an outdoor pool, primarily for recreation for kids in the summer months. 19:41:42 From Michael Nelson to Hosts and panelists: are you considering taking some space from fields around the current pool? there was a lot of concern about that when the location was being considered for NewCal 19:41:52 From Sarah Porter to Hosts and panelists: Is there consideration of a year round facility - some portion indoor , but also retain outdoor pool/waterplay/deck/picnic space? We could enjoy both! 19:41:53 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: This is where the City needs to bite the bullet and use more land and suffizient money to do this right. We need at least double the swimming pool capacity and year-round. 19:42:04 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: *sufficient 19:43:47 From Amy Holton to Hosts and panelists: Just a comment…. My family just moved to Newton and my daughter swam her first season with Newton Bluefish this summer. I must say I was a bit underwhelmed with the Gath pool. We absolutely love Bluefish but felt that the team and residents of Newton deserve a better facility. It would be wonderful to have a rec area and competitive area where swim team could hold practices and meets. Many times I saw families of young children arrive at the pool in the evening and be told that the pool was closed for swim team. I felt for working parents who arrived after work and be told that they couldn’t enjoy an evening with their children swimming. An updated bathhouse is a necessity and love the idea of green space incorporated with the swimming area. If an area of indoor swimming would be possible, that would be great! Would be a great option for Bluefish in the winter months. A bubble over a pool perhaps! Thank you! 19:43:53 From Hani Murad to Hosts and panelists: Year round Gath 19:43:53 From Julia Tulimieri to Hosts and panelists: As a Newton north and Town team swimmer me and my teammates have thought a lot about what we need for year long swimming. What would be the best for our needs is a 10 lane indoor/outdoor pool with long course the other direction. Indoor accessability is beyond important becasue the north pool is not an acceptable option for everyone during the winter. As of right now I feel like my town team that I have swam on for over a decade is begin to die out because of the limited pool space in newton. If this team becomes anything less than it has been in the past the swim community in newton will never be the same. As a swimmer at newton north the top down program we are implemeting to work with the youth athletes of newton will not be possible without the addition of a new imporved pool. Thanks 19:44:11 From Carolyn Gombosi to Hosts and panelists: Please pay attention to the tree and landscape plantings surrounding the site! 19:44:38 From Carolyn Gombosi to Hosts and panelists: And, what about use of solar panels? Over the parking area at least... 19:46:00 From Sizhu li to Hosts and panelists: how soon this new pool can get finish? 19:46:17 From Sizhu li to Hosts and panelists: how long will we have wait? 19:46:28 From Monty Cagwin to Hosts and panelists: I’m a Newton Bluefish parents and a frequent user of the pool, and fully support this effort! I would love to see Newton’s reimagined Gath Pool be a leader amongst all surrounding towns in terms of schedule, accessibility, facility, deck space, pool house, shade, and green space. 19:47:23 From Jennifer Morgan to Hosts and panelists: Will you look at expanding the facility beyond the current footprint? Specifically, will the activity hut next door be incorporated into the planning? 19:47:46 From James Chicoski to Hosts and panelists: At least one outdoor pool and at least one indoor pool appear to be the minimum needed because year round use is important and open air enjoyment is important. 19:47:48 From Tim Caputo to Hosts and panelists: The Newton North pool is too small for a community of our size with the number of people who want access to the water. Adding capacity is a must. 19:48:12 From Christina Abele to Hosts and panelists: The Portsmouth NH public pool is nice too! 19:49:06 From Tim Caputo to Hosts and panelists: The http://www.waylandcommunitypool.org/ has a bubble! 19:49:06 From Sarah Porter to Hosts and panelists: please dont feel need to read all comments if duplicative 19:49:20 From andrew wardly to Hosts and panelists: with the size of day middle school and the comparative lack of clubs/activities (compared to smaller middle schools) there is a great opportunity to use the pool as a place to teach swimming at this facility year round as part of the curriculum particularly for those financially challenged 19:50:01 From Amy Lyons to Hosts and panelists: A year round pool could also generate more income from possible rentals. Our Community definitely needs a new pool with areas to connect like snack bar and sitting areas. Blue Fish Parent 19:50:35 From L Goldman to Hosts and panelists: I'm a lap swimmer, I like the idea of a year round facility, but I truly love swimming outside. Summer is short and we need to enjoy every opportunity to get fresh air, too. I hope we will gain more lap space, it's usually pvercrowded. 19:51:18 From Ann MacKay to Hosts and panelists: Please pay attention to Scott and Mary Polman’s views. They have been involved in the Newton Swim Team for over 30 years. They are very aware of the needs and possibilities that Gath can offer. They have been amazing coaches and mentors to countless young people. 19:52:54 From James K to Hosts and panelists: @Pam Wright, Thank You. 19:52:55 From Milana Mazurkevich to Hosts and panelists: Totally agree with Jacqueline. Please think big and build 2 pools. Outdoor and indoor. 19:53:19 From Carolyn Gombosi to Hosts and panelists: Amen! 19:54:29 From Jason Kaufman to Hosts and panelists: From Silas Kaufman, 11-year old Bluefish team member: I think that more people would join bluefish if we stayed in one pool year round and right now the “dome” seems best to me. If we had it heated we would get so many more people on the team. We’d also be able to beat Framingham. 19:55:11 From Kathleen Snyder to Hosts and panelists: A world class city like Newton deserves a year round pool. As a former Newton Swim Team member and parent of current Bluefish swimmers this is an important issue to my family. The current Gath Pool is virtually the same as the Gath Pool I swam in 30 years ago. Let’s use this opportunity to invest in a pool that will serve future generations of Newton swimmers. 19:57:04 From Kim Tulimieri to Hosts and panelists: As a parent of 4 children who are Bluefish swimmers and high school swimmers, I am thrilled for this project. Replacement is long overdue. The public pools in our city are unacceptable considering the number of residents who wish to use them for both leisure and competition. They are not big enough nor are they functional and accessible to all. Regarding the new Gath Pool, both indoor and outdoor options are necessary and will create space that will be enjoyed by our community year round. Please also consider significantly increasing the size, creating multiple areas of enjoyment. I agree with other speakers, we should think big! 19:57:38 From Poonsaeng Visudhiphan to Hosts and panelists: Will the pool footprint be expanded? 19:58:00 From Milana Mazurkevich to Hosts and panelists: The community wants both an indoor and outdoor pool. 19:58:16 From Shaelin Furlong to Hosts and panelists: I strongly feel the pool should be built as a new pool that is open year round. As a bluefish swim team member, we need the pool to be open year round to be allowed more and fair swim time We have lost swim time at NNHS because of the change of school times. We have to share swim team with NNHS and NSHS swim and dive teams, and they get priority use NNHS. It is important for the pool to be open year round so the new pool can be open for the bluefish as well as use by all members of the community. A year round community pool for all town members to use, swim lessons, senior swim activities, free swim for all community. The whole pool area should be demolished. Start new from the ground up! 19:58:41 From Mary Pohlman to Hosts and panelists: Is there a cap for this budget? 19:58:59 From Tim Caputo to Hosts and panelists: You talk about limits to the footprint. What do you feel are those limits? I realize we don’t want to reduce fields, but the there are many places to uses fields across the City, but this is the only community pool. 19:59:08 From Jenna Ceddia to Hosts and panelists: I know there are limits to using “green space,” meaning parks and recs. can’t just reallocate field/grass space for a pool, but I’m wondering if hard space can be relocated. For example the basketball court is hard space and is near the Poland could be used as pool space if we more the basketball court. There is another cement basketball court in the park down by the old HM school which never gets used because it is dilapidated. Could that court be renovated as a nice court to be used and have the present court be repurposed for more pool space? Then we get a nice court anymore pool:))) 19:59:28 From James K to Hosts and panelists: I have so many amazing childhood memories of Gath Pool. My Dad would take us golfing at the old Albemarle Golf Course and then swimming at Gath. I believe at that time there was food sold at the hut next door. 20:00:16 From Aidan Furlong to Hosts and panelists: As a bluefish swim team member I strongly advocate for a year round pool. 20:01:31 From James K to Hosts and panelists: Is a brand new aquatics facility as well as a renovation of Gath Pool a fiscal possibility? The more I hear from others, the more I see that Newton really needs more than one option for swimming whether that be competitive or recreational. 20:01:47 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: Can we hear residents speak? 20:02:11 From Sarah Porter to Hosts and panelists: Can the city of Newton support more than one pool? I am hearing the need for year round access for swim teams and fitness, but hate to lose the pleasant outdoor experience of an uncovered pool. 20:02:24 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: We know you’re listening. Can we speak? 20:03:17 From Luis Perez Demorizi (Parks, Recreation & Curlture) to Everyone: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L7IAI6F1R8CqOOymyRxiRg 20:03:48 From James K to Hosts and panelists: That link does not work 20:03:58 From Natalia Espinal to Hosts and panelists: Can you remind us when the next meeting is? 20:04:47 From Christina Abele to Hosts and panelists: Have you considered monetizing the space, by creating an area for private parties (kids birthday parties) etc… 20:05:17 From Josh Morse to Everyone: 10/28 is the next meeting. You can view the meeting calendar here: https://www.newtonma.gov/government/public-buildings/calendar 20:06:11 From Josh Morse to Everyone: Here's the correct meeting link for 10/28: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L7lAI6F1R8CqOOymyRxiRg 20:06:29 From Christina Abele to Hosts and panelists: Have you looked at the Wellesley Facility Sports Institute, could we partner with a private company to run/operate the facility. They have Hockey Rinks, 2 pools, classrooms etc 20:06:52 From James K to Hosts and panelists: @Josh, Thank Yoy 20:06:56 From Carolyn Gombosi to Hosts and panelists: It seems as if the footprint of the whole project needs to be expanded... 20:06:59 From James K to Hosts and panelists: Thank You 20:07:22 From Sean Fitzgerald to Hosts and panelists: Can you post this link into the chat to join the Friends of Albemarle? 20:07:24 From Sean Fitzgerald to Hosts and panelists: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1edX7Cf6yXaZaEbdficQ0UIlBcgl8hjg_kSC1VbAzk3c/viewform?edit_requested=true 20:07:37 From Tara Furlong to Hosts and panelists: I want the pool to be open year round I am a blue fish member and I would like to swim early in the day and not have to wait so late at night to do are swim practice. It is not fair for us to have to wait till 7:00 for the high school swim to finish there swim. Also at swim meets we don’t have enough space for all swimmers, parents, coaches, and pool stuff for swim meet. 20:07:41 From Tim Caputo to Hosts and panelists: I suggest you reach out to MIT to find out how much they can are able to rent out their 50 meter lanes. Local USA swimming teams would rent at time that residents wouldn’t want. I have a child that has practice at 5am. Those teams would likely also supply their own lifeguards. 20:09:43 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: The current footprint is NOT sufficient. Year-round pool capacity must be larger. 20:10:09 From Josh Morse to Everyone: For folks that would like to join the Friends of Albemarle please check out this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1edX7Cf6yXaZaEbdficQ0UIlBcgl8hjg_kSC1VbAzk3c/viewform?edit_requested=true 20:10:52 From Kim Tulimieri to Hosts and panelists: The current footprint is not nearly large enough to accommodate any of these suggested renovations and improvements. More space is critical! 20:11:31 From Cedar Pruitt to Hosts and panelists: Josh, thank you for the membership link. Could you please add our website? https://friendsofalbemarle.org 20:12:27 From Josh Morse to Everyone: Also, to check out the Friends of Albemarle website, please check it out here: https://friendsofalbemarle.org 20:13:44 From Jean Takamatsu to Hosts and panelists: I think it is important to mention that an indoor pool option would also be helpful in the summer. We had lots of thunderstorms this summer and many swim sessions were cut short. 20:13:58 From L Goldman to Hosts and panelists: I hope that the existing pool will remain open during the construction 20:17:16 From Kim Tulimieri to Hosts and panelists: I wish there was a way to applaud Kathleen Grieser on this zoom! Well said!!! 20:17:44 From Ima Jonsdottir to Hosts and panelists: Talking about geothermal pools, I want to point out that in the country of Iceland, where I am from, every neighborhood and town has a public outdoor pool that is open all year round. Yes, they are open in all weathers because they are using geothermal heat. You told us to think big, so how about an all year pool that is NOT covered ;) There must be some savings there if you don’t have to build a dome. Plus sitting in a hot tub under the winter sky, not to mention while it is snowing, is absolute magic. Would someone from Newton visit Iceland to see how they do it? 20:19:07 From andrew wardly to Hosts and panelists: perhaps for the building commissioner? is there any plan to build a pool for newton south high school? in conjunction with a new gath with year round access this should help meet the needs of a city with two very large high schools and almost 100k people 20:19:55 From Tara Furlong to Hosts and panelists: The new pool needs to be open year round. The community needs a brand new pool that is built thinking of a use for community of all. Swim lessons for all ages, senior swim, bluefish swim team year round.The pool needs to be designed up to code for ADA, and the new pool designed for those with disabilities. A splash pad should be designed next to the pool. As a member of the bluefish team, we have great dreams for a new bigger year round pool. There needs to be more square footage around the pool deck, especially for when having swim meets. There needs to be enough space for the 225 swim team members to fit up to code inside the pool deck. Plus space the opposing team. Having a bigger pool year round will be better for the whole community. A splash pad for the younger community will bring smiles to thousands of faces. 20:21:05 From Luis Perez Demorizi (Parks, Recreation & Curlture) to Everyone: friendsofalbemarle@gmail.com 20:21:38 From Luis Perez Demorizi (Parks, Recreation & Curlture) to Everyone: www.newtonma.gov/gathpoolproject 20:22:25 From Luis Perez Demorizi (Parks, Recreation & Curlture) to Hosts and panelists: I have to head out to ConCom. Great job team! 20:22:45 From Mary Pohlman to Hosts and panelists: This pool is a gem in the City of Newton and we need to dream big! 20:23:42 From Christina Abele to Hosts and panelists: The layout of the baseball diamonds at the new Smith Playground in Allston is worth a look. 20:25:15 From Peter Harrington to Hosts and panelists: will you provide the dimensions of the present facilities? I support a 12 month use. 20:28:08 From Susan Donnellan to Hosts and panelists: We are a long-time Newton Bluefish family and support the idea of the ten lane pool proposed by the Pohlman’s. In addition, our children are former and current employees at Gath. It is important that it will meet the needs of all the programs, including swim lessons, senior aerobics, and opportunities to expand in the future. We also want to ensure the city will provide further funding and accommodations to support lifeguards and pool staff to address this expansion, with consideration for safety. 20:28:19 From Paul Zaczkiewicz to Hosts and panelists: Splash pads are absolutely wonderful for young children. Please keep this a priority. 20:29:53 From Sean Fitzgerald to Hosts and panelists: From Mary Reynolds Fitzgerald (abutter to Gath) Given the limited amount of open space in our neighborhood, a plan to renovate Gath Pool Complex should ONLY begin until when a comprehensive Master Plan is in place for Albemarle Park and the Avery Woods! 20:30:12 From James Chicoski to Hosts and panelists: Albemarle has a ton of open space and taking some space for something as important as swimming should be a no-brainer. There are dozens and dozens of basketball and tennis courts around the city. This is our chance to create a great swimming facility! Swimming is healthy for all ages!! 20:31:16 From Tara Furlong to Hosts and panelists: The pools that were shown in the beginning of the presentation do not compare to the size of a pool that Newton needs. The Needham pool is too small for the Newton Bluefish. The seating area is too small. The bluefish has 225-275 swimmers, then add parents and other family members. The pool needs to be designed up to code with enough space. 20:32:38 From JULIA MALAKIE to Everyone: 24 mature trees, as I recall, would have been removed from Gath area to Crafts St under that solar proposal! 20:32:41 From JULIE PIERCE to Hosts and panelists: As a (young) senior, I loved the aquacise class and lap swimming at Gath Pool this summer and look forward to many more years of swimming. But we need an indoor winter option for Newton. Currently, we're spending crazy money for a twice-weekly class in Wellesley. Please give us an indoor option! 20:33:01 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: There shouldn’t be conflict between competitive and lap swimmers and those who just want to play and splash around in a pool. We need more year-round pool capacity to accommodate the enormous demand for all kinds of swimminhg sports and recreation. 20:33:04 From Carolyn Gombosi to Hosts and panelists: Ouch! 20:33:10 From Susan Donnellan to Hosts and panelists: Will additional parking be made available? Also, is there consideration for drainage issues with Cheesecake Brook that often floods Albermarle road? 20:33:39 From Mary Pohlman to Hosts and panelists: Kingsbury Club pool in Medfield is another bubbled facility. 20:33:46 From Natalia Espinal to Hosts and panelists: I did not realize that NAU does not have pool time this year. This is extremely disheartening. There needs to be a way to build a pool that meets the needs of all the groups. There will need to be compromises but it can be done. 20:35:02 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: Please look at the BC pool and the many beautiful glass retractable wall pool structures. We could have an outdoor pool and an indoor pool that opens its walls in the summer. 20:35:41 From JULIA MALAKIE to Everyone: With a year-round pool, lifeguarding could be a full year job not seasonal. Maybe a part-time job, though — lifeguarding 8 hrs/day might be stressful. 20:37:08 From Kathleen Grieser to Hosts and panelists: Many private pools have adult year-round lifeguards/instructors. It’s not rocket science. Supplement with college kids in summer. 20:41:03 From Christina Abele to Hosts and panelists: YMCA in Waltham has birthday parties during open swim , just have a few tables designated for the group 20:44:33 From JULIE PIERCE to Hosts and panelists: Please consult with your Wellesley colleagues before considering a public/private partnership. My sense is that the private sector's need for big profits took precedence over the community's needs. 20:51:05 From James K to Hosts and panelists: I agree with @Sean entirely. The staffing issue with lifeguards is huge. I really wish colleges would return to a Post Labor Day opening, as the pool and the lake were always able to stay open at least through Labor Day Weekend in years gone by, probably up until like 2009 or close. 20:51:06 From Peter Harrington to Hosts and panelists: It would be helpful if you had a study that gave information relating the pool size to the number of users that could be accommodated. 20:51:27 From JULIE PIERCE to Hosts and panelists: Thanks, Sean. 20:52:07 From James K to Hosts and panelists: THANK YOU to all who put this together. This was a very helpful and informative session, 20:53:54 From Jean Reale to Hosts and panelists: Thank you so much!