Boston City Council Demands Independent Engineering Study for Closed Blackstone Pool

BOSTON — June 29, 2026 — Boston City Council hearing spotlights indefinitely closed Blackstone pool and unfulfilled BCYF swim program promises. The Committee on Human Services held a virtual hearing June 29 on conditions and access at Boston Centers for Youth and Family pools, with Councilor Flynn calling for an independent engineering study of the Blackstone Community Center pool in the South End, which has been closed indefinitely pending what city officials previously described as a full excavation requiring years and unspecified funding. Flynn, whose district encompasses residents of the Villa Victoria and Cathedral public housing developments, said the disparity in pool access between lower-income communities of color and wealthier neighborhoods was "something I can't accept any longer." The administration reported the city now operates 16 of 22 pools — up from 10 in 2023 — and has delivered swim lessons to more than 20,000 youth since 2022, backed by a $5 million American Rescue Plan Act grant and a roughly $4 million Weston and Sampson maintenance contract for 12 school-based pools. Roslindale resident Natasha Winninger told the committee that BCYF had failed to follow through on multiple January 2026 commitments to the Flaherty Pool's Dolphins competitive swim team, including a promised citywide parent working group and regular family surveys. The Curtis Hall Pool closed June 26 for a 12-month renovation, and the Mirabella Pool remains offline during the North End Community Center rebuild, with a projected 2028 reopening.