Renovations begin at BCYF Paris Street Pool

Mayor Martin J. Walsh is pleased to announce that renovations to BCYF Paris Street Pool will start next month. The Walsh Administration's investment in the pool will include a new pool filter room,  mechanical and electrical upgrades, modified main entrance and lobby area, building interior and exterior repairs and other upgrades necessary to make it a more inviting and user-friendly space. BCYF Paris Street Pool will close on Friday, March 13, and is expected to be closed for 14 months. 

“This well-loved and well-used pool will be a  beautiful, welcoming and open space offering more aquatic programming than ever once this project is complete,” said Mayor Walsh. “With the renovated BCYF Paris Street Community Center across the street and the renovated Paris Street Playground next door, I’m proud of the investments we will continue to make in the East Boston community.” 

During the closure, swimmers will have access to the Umana Academy Pool on Border Street thanks to a partnership with the East Boston YMCA which manages the Umana Academy pool. BCYF Paris Street Pool staff will transition to the Umana Academy pool and will offer programming on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On other days of the week, swimmers will be able to participate in programming offered by the YMCA. This partnership will give BCYF Paris Street pool members access to seven days a week of swimming opportunities. Learn more at boston.gov/BCYF-Paris-Street.

“The East Boston YMCA is proud to partner with Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston to bring swim and water safety programs to the East Boston Community,” said Joseph J Gaeta Jr., Executive Director, YMCA of Greater Boston East Boston YMCA. “We welcome BCYF Paris Street members to the Umana Academy to swim in a safe and supervised pool during the Paris Street renovation. We are excited about this collaboration!”

Due to YMCA procedures, BCYF Paris Street Pool members who use the Umana Academy Pool during YMCA operation time will need to present a photo ID on the first visit to be run through their Hall Pass data system and will need to sign a YMCA liability waiver. Existing BCYF Paris Street Pool members (who joined prior to the March 13 closure) will be able to continue to pay BCYF Paris Street pool programming prices for East Boston YMCA-run programs at Umana Pool. New members will join through the YMCA.  Swimmers must be members and enrolled in programs to participate.

“I know how much being a part of the pool community has changed my life,” said East Boston resident Mohamed El Haddad, age 18. “It has helped me stay focused in school and provided me with a safe, enjoyable environment. Being a part of Paris Street is more than just being a part of a community center or swim team. It is like being a part of a family and I believe I am a better person because of it. I am very excited about the pool renovation because they will allow so many more children and families to have similar experiences for many more years to come."

At a community meeting in September, a presentation by the architect included detailed information about what upgrades will occur and what the pool will look like. That presentation is still available online at Boston.gov/BCYF-Paris-Street.  The pool’s sister community center across the street, BCYF Paris Street Community Center, received a $12 million dollar renovation, reopening in 2017, and the adjoining Paris Street Playground received a $770,000 renovation and reopened in 2015. 

In addition, earlier this month Mayor Walsh joined hundreds of older adults at BCYF Paris Street Community Center to kick off the community process for a new senior center at the former Orient Heights library location. The event provided an opportunity for community members to provide input on programming they would enjoy, which will assist the architects in designing the renovation. The community process follows a $1 million investment in the City's current budget. The full cost of the project will be included with the Mayor's next Capital Plan to be released in April. 

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates 36 community centers (including 18 pools) in Boston that offer a variety of engaging and enriching programs for people of all ages created through community input and need. BCYF also oversees citywide programs focusing on supporting high-risk and proven-risk youth and young adults, girls, teens, children and adults with special needs, and youth employment.

The YMCA of Greater Boston is one of Massachusetts leading nonprofits committed to strengthening communities by improving health, empowering youth and activating people for good. Every day the Y works with thousands of men, women, and children to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has access to Y programs and services. As the nation’s fifth largest charity, the Y is creating a community of caring people through meaningful memberships. For more than 165 years, the Y has been developing skills and emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse populations, preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities. The YMCA of Greater Boston is America’s first Y.