Aging Beauties: The Pool and Pool House at Mills Pond

With an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 visits a season, the pool at Mills Pond Park remains a popular attraction for residents as well as others from the area. At $110 for a family membership, or $5 for a daily visit, it’s one of the best summer deals around.

But, it’s tough pushing 40 when you’re a pool. Your concrete walls begin to crack. Your diving boards don’t spring like they used to. And sometimes, you even lose your pump. Thus is the life of the pool at Mills Pond. Still a sparkling beauty on the outside, but becoming high maintenance on the inside.

So, the Town will be funding a study this summer to determine how best to address plumbing, lighting, filtration and other issues with the pool.

A better pool deserves a better pool house. So, Canton Parks & Recreation will be using $20,000 in Town funding to enhance the pool house with: an inside/outside paint job; repair to damaged wood sills around the roof; new lighting fixtures; upgraded electrical and plumbing; updated shower stalls; improved landscaping in the entry way. They’re going to need more money. Another $10,000+ would be nice. Enter the Canton Lions.

During the upcoming Mills Pond Park Summer Concert Series, the Lions will be raising funds to help renovate the pool house by selling: hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and snacks. The first Concert is July 7.

Lion’s Board member, Bob Bessel says their membership is ready to put in the time and effort to help get the improvements going. “Our basic premise has been to allocate 1/3 of each year to supporting local causes; another 1/3 assisting with health related causes; and the final 1/3 on a project of some significance. We have a great project here with the Mills Pond pool house.”

“The pool,” continued Bessel, “is something that everyone in Town can enjoy. It’s a short drive or walk away. People can see their friends or spend time with their families there. It really serves the whole Town on a lot of levels. And, that’s what the Lions are about; to support the types of things that as many people as possible can enjoy. See you at the Concerts!

Here the Deal

Canton Lions Club, P.O. Box 363, Canton, 693-0583: www.cantonctlions.org.

Mills Pond Park, 14 East Hill Rd, Canton, 693-7844: www.cantonrec.org.

Concerts

All are 6:30 to 8 p.m. except where noted

Thursday, July 7 - The DownRight Music Band 
Thursday, July 14- Grass Routes Bluegrass 
Thursday, July 21 - The Bossy Frog Band                                      Thursday July 28 - The Bus Drivers
Thursday Aug 4 -  The McLovins  
Thursday Aug 11- Special Trail Buskers Event, along rail trail - details to follow