Opening of city beach at Indian Lake in Worcester delayed due to staffing; most swimming spots open

Craig S. Semon, Telegram & Gazette
·1 min read
WORCESTER - The city pool at Crompton Park opened on Friday, July 1, 2022, as Noah Martorana, 18, crashes into the water from the slide.
WORCESTER - The city pool at Crompton Park opened on Friday, July 1, 2022, as Noah Martorana, 18, crashes into the water from the slide.

WORCESTER —Due to staffing limitations, Indian Lake Beach did not open Friday, as originally planned, and will be closed for the foreseeable future.

In addition, needed maintenance work at the Greenwood Spray Park, 14 Forsberg St., has delayed its opening.

All other spray parks, beaches, and the city pool opened as planned Friday. They will be open noon to 7 p.m. daily.

The temperature neared 90 degrees Friday, with sunny skies predicted through the Monday holiday.

The city has struggled to hire enough lifeguards to cover the various swimming spots. The staffing shortage prompted officials to cancel the planned opening of Indian Lake Beach.

“We will continue to recruit lifeguard candidates throughout the summer,” said Robert C.

Antonelli Jr., assistant commissioner for the city Department of Public Works & Parks.

At Crompton Park Pool, Baylee Quach, 5, revels in the fountain water on Friday.
At Crompton Park Pool, Baylee Quach, 5, revels in the fountain water on Friday.

More: City parks, pools, beaches

The Cristoforo Colombo/East Spray Park, 180 Shrewsbury St., and, when it's ready, the Greenwood Spray Park will be open from noon to 7 p.m. every day until Labor Day.

The Crompton Park Pool and city beaches other than Indian Park - Bell Pond, John J. Binienda Memorial Beach at Coes Pond and Shore Park - will be open through Aug. 22.

Last week, lifeguards jump into the Bennett Field Pool in Webster Square.
Last week, lifeguards jump into the Bennett Field Pool in Webster Square.

State-run swimming spots in the city — the Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool, Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool at Bennett Field and Quinsigamond State Park — opened two weeks ago.

Last summer, Bell Pond Beach closed for the season after a lifeguard was stabbed. Vandalism at Crompton Park Pool forced a temporary shutdown.

Bell Pond beach and swimming area.
Bell Pond beach and swimming area.

In effect through Sept. 30, Indian Lake has a ban in place on the use of personal watercraft on the lake.

The public is reminded that the city does not recommend swimming in any facility without a lifeguard present.

In May, Gable Castine, 8, of Auburn tosses a football while playing in the water at Coes Pond Beach.
In May, Gable Castine, 8, of Auburn tosses a football while playing in the water at Coes Pond Beach.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Looking to cool down over the long (hot) July 4th weekend? Here's where you can in the city