Renovations to Begin on Shine Memorial Pool

Boston, MA Together with Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, Senator Edward M. Augustus, Jr. (D-Worcester) and State Representative John P. Fresolo (D-Worcester) are pleased to announce that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has signed a construction agreement worth $1.686 million with Construction Dynamics, Inc. of Fitchburg to renovate the Dennis F. Shine Memorial Pool in the Vernon Hill neighborhood of Worcester.

"Dennis Shine, a proud son of Worcester gave the supreme sacrifice when he was killed in Vietnam in service to the nation," said Lt. Governor Murray. "The reconstruction of this memorial pool will not only provide a state of the art facility for generations of families but also will tell visitors about Dennis Shine's life and that of his family and what they gave to the country."

"The Shine Memorial Pool provides a positive recreational environment for city youth and families and I know this renovation will boost the activity at and enjoyment of the facility," said Senator Augustus. "I am pleased that DCR has signed this agreement to begin work on a pool that serves as one of only two free Learn-to-Swim programs in Worcester."

"Growing up on Vernon Hill, I spent many summer days at the Dennis Shine Pool, and to see that funding for renovations has been secured means a great deal to me personally," Said Representative Fresolo. "The renovation of this pool will allow the memory of Dennis Shine to live on."

District City Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. in whose district the Shine Memorial Pool is located said. "I deeply appreciate the efforts of Senator Augustus, Representative Fresolo and the Patrick-Murray Administration in honoring the commitment to the Shine family and the families of Worcester."

The Dennis F. Shine Memorial Pool on Providence Street in the Vernon Hill neighborhood of Worcester is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The pool provides both relief to city residents from summer heat and an important learn-to-swim service free of charge, which is taught by certified water safety instructors who also monitor the pool during operating hours. The pool also has dedicated time during those hours set aside for families to swim after standard working hours.

Senator Augustus secured more than $4 million of funding in the recently passed Environmental Bond Bill for the Shine Memorial Pool and the Bennett Field Pool near Webster Square to help fund reconstruction of the facilities. The limited annual bonding authority will require Governor Deval Patrick to prioritize which projects will be undertaken as funding becomes available.