Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Joins Roxbury Community to Celebrate the Opening of Cass Center, DCR Pools Across the State

Roxbury — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration joined the Roxbury community to celebrate the opening of Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) pools across Massachusetts. The event, hosted at the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex Pool, brought together residents for a morning of festivities featuring music, food from local vendors, games, animal shows, and more. Managed by DCR, these facilities play a vital role in enhancing community wellness and offering accessible recreational spaces, providing residents with numerous opportunities for recreation and relief from the summer heat. 

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Cass Center pool on schedule,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re excited to see new athletic flooring, solar panels, beautiful new trees, and other upgrades at this community institution. We are grateful to the Roxbury community for their partnership over the past months. I hope friends and neighbors can enjoy today’s food, games, and activities to celebrate this wonderful community center.” 

“As a former lifeguard, I know how much community pools mean to neighborhoods like Roxbury,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today marks the reopening of the Cass pool and pools across the state, our lifeguards’ first day on duty statewide, and the start of summer fun. A special thank you to the community members and local vendors for all their support of migrant families these past months and we’re glad to join with them again today to celebrate the important role the Cass Center plays in Roxbury.” 

Earlier this month, DCR began improvement work at the Cass Center. Improvements include upgrades to the facility’s athletic flooring and equipment, new tree plantings, and repairs to the roof in addition to new solar panels. These upgrades will allow DCR to provide improved recreation and athletic programming and services for the community.

The celebration at the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex Pool included music, ice cream from the Boston Police Department, a visit from Smokey Bear, food from Nubian Markets, lawn games, and a live animal show by Mass Audubon. It was a community event that offered entertainment and local flavors, fostering a fun atmosphere for residents of all ages. 

“At DCR, we focus our work on improving the health and wellbeing of communities across the state by connecting them with recreational resources like the Cass Center,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “These spaces bring our neighbors, friends, and families together for recreation and that’s what the Cass Center has done for the Roxbury community for more than 50 years. We are excited about the ongoing improvements at the Cass Center, which will enhance its role as a central community hub in Roxbury.” 

“After months of working with community, hearing their voices and implementing their input, I am excited that the Cass is reopening just in time for the Summer,” said State Senator Liz Miranda. “This is a cherished community hub, and I am proud of the community effort that took place to bring the Cass back for another season of fun for Roxbury's families.” 

“As the City of Boston moves into one of the hottest summers on record, neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by heat, like ours, rely on cooling centers and swimming pools to keep cool,” said Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson. “I am thrilled to see the pool reopen, and I encourage all of my constituents to rely on this important resource throughout the summer season.” 

DCR operates 24 pools and two wading pools statewide, ensuring communities across Massachusetts have ample resources for safe and enjoyable swimming experiences throughout the summer season. In addition to these facilities, residents can also cool off at DCR’s 81 waterfronts and spray decks. Spray decks are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with lifeguards on duty seven days a week at 32 designated swimming areas across the state from approximately 10:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Certain pools were opened earlier this week in time for the heat wave and today marks the official reopening of all DCR pools statewide. 

Lifeguards play a crucial role in public safety at our state parks and beaches, providing an essential layer of protection alongside attentive adult supervision in drowning prevention efforts. While most DCR pools and waterfronts are fully staffed, DCR is continuing to hire and recruit lifeguards for certain properties including Revere Beach, the Vietnam Veterans Pool in Chelsea, the Geisler Memorial Pool and the Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Pool in Lawrence. The Healey-Driscoll Administration offers competitive hourly rates ranging from $22 to $27 based on position and certifications. Additionally, lifeguards can earn bonuses up to $1,000, including early sign-on and retention incentives for those working through the season. For more details on lifeguarding opportunities, visit the agency’s lifeguarding webpage.  

For more information on pool locations and operating hours please DCR Swimming/Wading Pool Schedule.

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