Mayor Kos has officially signed the construction contract with Construction Dynamics Inc, the lowest overall bidder at $1,434,600, to build the new pool and water spray at Ray Ash Park in the Aldenville section of Chicopee.
“Pools are an important part of recreation during the summer months and we are very excited to get work started on this project,” said City Councilor Frank Laflamme, Chair of the Parks and Recreation subcommittee. “We are working diligently towards an opening for the start of the 2017 summer season.”
The Ray Ash Pool was originally closed in 2014 when it was being readied for the summer season and was found to have had substantial leaking problems. During a further analysis of the pools in preparation of repairs for an opening of the pools the following season (2015), high levels of PCB’s, which were used during the initial construction of the pools in the 1960’s, were discovered. PCB’s are primarily found in the paint, over time they leach into the caulking and concrete of the pool.
Phase one of the project included the demolition and remediation of the existing structure. Phase two will now include swimming lanes for lap swimmers and a zero depth beach-style entry on one end of the pool. The project will also add low spray features to create play spaces for younger children and a permanent pool lift for safe water access for the disabled. The bath houses will be renovated and a pool deck with shaded seating will be added.
In December of 2015, the City received state grant through the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program that will allow the City to receive reimbursement for a $400,000 of the total construction costs for the Ray Ash pool.
“I am pleased to be able to move forward with this project,” said Mayor Kos. “The Ray Ash pool has provided wonderful recreation for our families over the years and it has been significantly missed by both the Aldenville neighborhood and our City. We look forward with great anticipation to its opening.”
“Thanks go out the Mayor and my colleagues on the City Council for their work in addressing our pools,” said City Council President John Vieau. “This facility will be state of the art and will be accessible for everyone so that all can enjoy it for years to come.”
Construction is expected to be completed in early June 2017 with an anticipated opening for the summer season that year. It will be the first new pool constructed by the City since the early 1960’s.
“The Ray Ashe pool has always been a significant part of Aldenville,” said Ward Councilor Gary Labrie. “It has been greatly missed these last two years and I am grateful to everyone involved that have helped make its reopening a reality.”
(photo is of the Sarah Jane Pool. Ray Ash will be similar.)