Photos: Joy in Charlestown as public pool finally reopens

After being closed for 2 years for renovations, Clougherty Pool is open Thursdays-Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

July 26, 2024

Mayor Michelle Wu was joined on Thursday by elected officials and Charlestown residents to celebrate the reopening of the Boston Centers for Youth & Families Clougherty Pool following a two-year renovation.

The complex, originally built in the 1940s, is newly upgraded to “modernize the facility and make it more accessible,” according to a statement from the city.

“The Clougherty Pool is a treasured community hub that has helped create so many lifetime memories in Charlestown, and we couldn’t be more excited for our residents to be back in the water this summer,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in the statement.

The project — with a total budget of $35.5 million — is part of Mayor Wu’s Connect, Learn, & Explore initiative, which aims to build a family-friendly Boston.

But the pool complex was a long time coming for Charlestown residents. In 2014, the city allocated $2.7 million to revitalize the pool, but it was unclear how the money was supposed to be used. In 2022, it was closed due to safety concerns.

Angered that the city did not initially indicate a reason for the pool’s closing, Charlestown residents mobilized and rallied together, creating an online petition to pressure the city to quickly restore the community hub.

Their efforts came to fruition this week, with an outdoor lap pool and family pool finally opening for the summer season. The two outdoor pools, pool deck, and filtration room were reconstructed.

Renovations on the boathouse — set to have new locker rooms and a community room — and the roof terrace are slated be completed for summer 2025.

Here’s how things look at the new pool complex:

Mayor Michelle Wu tests the water while celebrating the reopening of the BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown on July 25. *– Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff*

Blake Baker, 2, takes to the water while celebrating the reopening of the BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown on July 25. Blake’s father, James, said the family lives three blocks away and they are grateful for the neighborhood pool reopening. “It’s great for the community, it’s great for the kids, it’s been a long road,” he said. – Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Lifeguard Caroline Sicotte watches over activity during the reopening of the BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown Thursday. *– Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff*

Such a JOY to see community staple, the Clougherty Pool, reopen in #charlestown.

Huge shoutout to @BCYFcenters for your commitment to creating safe and fun spaces for our kids during the summer heat. pic.twitter.com/gOU5ZhSlw5
— Ruthzee Louijeune (@Ruthzee) July 25, 2024

The pool is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-registration for recreational swim is required on Saturdays and Sundays. Lap swim is available from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays and requires pre-registration.

There is no charge for membership, but visitors must create a membership before registering for swim sessions.