The pool has sat empty and unused for a long time. Next summer the sounds of splashing will return to O’Donnell Park on Gorham Street, in the form of a splash pad, similar to the popular one at Shedd Park. The project was kicked into gear by a June 2012 motion by City Councilor Marty Lorrey. The park’s basketball and tennis courts will also be renovated.
City Manager Bernie Lynch, Mayor Patrick Murphy, City Councilor Bill Martin, Scared Heart Neighborhood Group President Carol McCarthy, City Councilor Rita Mercier and City Councilor Marty Lorrey
Wednesday afternoon, city officials and Sacred Heart Neighborhood Group President Carol McCarthy gathered at the site for an official “ground breaking.”
“It’s not everyone who can go to the beach for a week in the summer,” said City Councilor Rita Mercier, adding that amenities like the splash pad are an important part of making sure all of the kids in the city have a fun summer and a place to cool off.
Sacred Heart Neighborhood Group President Carol McCarthy said the neighborhood has been waiting a long time for a revitalization at O’Donnell Park and she cannot wait to spend time there next summer.
The soon-to-be filled-in O’Donnell pool.
Department of Planning and Development Deputy Director Diane Tradd explains the project to some young ladies to stopped by to find out what was going on after school. They were excited about the renovations.
Room 50 