Worcester pool closed as DCR seeks police after recent violence – NBC Boston

Summer is here, but there’s one less way to cool off in Worcester, Massachusetts.

After two fights broke out at another state-run swimming pool last week, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is ordering a police response before the Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool in Vernon Hill Park can reopen.

NBC10 Boston spoke to a woman who wanted to take her son to the swimming pool on Friday.

“When we Googled them, they said they were open,” said Sarah, a Worcester resident, “so we were a little disappointed.”

The swimming pool is out of service as the DCR attempts to secure a police unit following recent violence.

Currently, residents are angry.

“I’ve been coming here my whole life and it was safe,” said resident Deeann Laureyns. “Now it’s not safe. It’s busy.”

Laureyns is concerned for her grandchildren’s safety, especially after last Thursday when Worcester police had to break up two fights at Bennett Field Pool. A 20-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly pulling out a gun and threatening people.

In recent years, the DCR has operated under a policy that requires the presence of police forces at certain agency locations for security reasons.

It is unclear when the Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool might reopen.