- Department of Conservation & Recreation
Media Contact
Ilyse Wolberg, DCR Deputy Communications Director
Clinton — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today dedicated the newly renovated spray deck at the Philip J. Weihn Pool in Clinton. Named in honor of Liberty M. Arnold-Simon, the spray deck features colorful water elements inspired by her love of rainbows, stars, and space, creating a welcoming place for children and families while celebrating her life.
The $500,000 renovation transformed the former wading pool into a modern spray deck as part of DCR’s ongoing efforts to modernize aquatic facilities across Massachusetts. Designed with input from Liberty’s family, the new spray deck incorporates playful features that reflect her creativity, curiosity, and love of exploration, ensuring her legacy lives on through a place where children can play, imagine, and make lasting memories.
“Liberty Maya Arnold-Simon was a child with a wonderful sense of adventure and imagination, whose life was tragically cut too short, but who will be remembered for her creativity and spirit,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “It is a privilege to honor Liberty through this new spray deck that features some of her favorite things. It is a wonderful tribute to her and her family, that children will be able to experience some of the things that brought her joy for years to come.”
"Liberty was our water baby, little love, and doting big sister who approached the world with incredible curiosity, creativity, and strength,” said the Arnold-Simon family. “She dreamed of being a lifeguard right here in Clinton and always said she would reach the stars as a space midwife. Water was always a source of immense happiness for her, and having this space transformed into a bright, modern spray deck featuring the colors and elements she loved is a beautiful tribute. We are deeply grateful to DCR and the Commonwealth for ensuring her joyful spirit lives on in the heart of our community, bringing play, wonder, and lasting memories to generations of local children."
In August 2015, at the age of five, Liberty was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare pediatric brain cancer. Throughout her illness, she demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience. Liberty was a bright, energetic, and creative young girl whose love of art, science, dance, swimming, and space touched everyone around her. She dreamed of one day becoming a lifeguard, an astronaut doctor, or even a "space midwife," and often said she would reach the stars.
In 2018, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation naming the then-wading pool at the Philip J. Weihn Memorial Pool Complex in Liberty’s honor. Today, the spray deck celebrates her joyful spirit and continues to inspire her family, friends, and community.
“This spray deck is a living tribute to Liberty Arnold-Simon and I know that each child who plays here will leave with a bit of Liberty in them, and that is a very special thing,” said State Senator John J. Cronin.
"I am extremely proud that we have legislatively dedicated Clinton’s new spray deck in honor of Liberty,” said State Representative Meghan K. Kilcoyne. “Her memory will live on in Clinton community members as they enjoy this space. We continue to keep Liberty’s family in our hearts as we remember her joyous presence."
###
Media Contact
Department of Conservation & Recreation
DCR infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreational facilities we care for – strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands.