929 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts

Speakers:
1. Chris Ariel, Worcester resident
2. Maggie Wain, Worcester resident
3. Tess Howard, Worcester resident
4. Catie Dwier-Hupert, Worcester resident
5. Danielle Surrette, Worcester resident
6. Rev. Sarai Rivera and children, Worcester residents
7. Sarah Assefa, Worcester resident
8. Wayne Jacobsen, Worcester resident
9. Richard Kerver, Worcester resident
10. Steve O'Connor, Worcester resident
11. Jen Burt, Worcester resident
12. Janice Nyamekye, Worcester resident
13. Patricia Feraud, Worcester resident
14. Jo Hart, Worcester resident
15. Cha Cha Connor, Worcester resident
16. Ali Soofi, Worcester resident
17. Ken Flood, Worcester resident
18. Steve O'Neill, Worcester resident
19. Bill Breault, Worcester resident
20. Sara Connor, Boylston resident
21. Roy Munsell, Worcester resident
22. Sergio Castillo, Worcester resident
23. Grace Ross, Worcester resident
24. Paul Phillips, Chelmsford resident
25. Casey Burns, Worcester resident
26. Josue Diaz, Worcester resident
27. Matthew Sanchez, Worcester resident
28. Victoria Sanchez, Worcester resident
29. Ariana Sims, Worcester resident
30. Frances Anthes, Worcester resident
31. Brenda Jenkins, Worcester resident
32. Lynne Simonds, Worcester resident
33. William S. Coleman, III, Worcester resident
34. Joe Hungler, Worcester resident
35. Elizabeth St. John, Worcester resident
36. Julius Jones, Worcester resident
37. John Provost, Worcester resident
38. Ted Conna, Worcester resident

The following statement, written by City Councilor Barbara G. Haller, was read into the record by the City Clerk in her absence:

"To: Councilor Michael Germain, Chair, City Council Standing Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation, Councilors Joffrey Smith, Gary Rosen, members

As the District 4 City Councilor, I regret that I cannot attend this important committee hearing. Unexpected and unavoidable events have caused me to be out of town tonight. Those who know me well know that if there was any way for me to be here I would be. My position on this important item is:

The current condition of our pools is unacceptable. They are in poor condition and the maintenance costs exceed their value. The pools must be rebuilt and have a designated annual operating fund so as not to repeat the cycle of neglect, or they must be closed and alternative swimming opportunities developed.

We must find most reasonable and best solution in the context of reality. I believe that we cannot keep all 9 city pools open with taxpayer dollars. The competition for precious few resources in a time of economic downturn forces us to find a different solution. I am committed to work on finding this best solution.

The solution adopted must reflect the needs of the community. The opening proposal of 1 city pool and 1 city spray park in each city district must not be adopted. The proposal will leave District 4 with the least public swimming/and or water recreation options. District 4 residents have the greatest challenges for quality of life and, I argue, should have the most public swimming options. Certainly having the fewest is an obvious and fatal flaw.

The pool at University Park is a particularly needed asset. The park is struggling to be a green refuge from the assaults of urban life; the pool provides mental and physical relief to its users and their families. Loss of the pool would be a serious psychological blow to the on-going revitalization efforts. Instead of closing we need to rebuild this and use its revitalization to celebrate a neighborhood that has picked itself up and changed its future.

Thank you.

- Barbara Haller, City Councilor, District 4"

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