Rosemary Recreational Complex

Rosemary Park and Pool was substantial renovations by G&R Construction to be a more accessible and fun place for the whole family. In 2014, Park and Recreation hired BH+A (Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc.) for specific architectural plans and design. The overall concept stems from Needham residents’ input and has a new feel for the recreation center, and establishes a more accessible place year-round.

There are two outdoor pools, one as a recreation pool, aimed for kids and families to enjoy, while the other is a fitness pool for Needham residents who are avid or competitive swimmers. Each pool provides specific amenities for different residents. The recreation pool has a zero depth entry for children to allow easy access in and out, eventually wading out to a depth of 3’ 6”. There are fun water spray features for the kids, along with shade for the parents (on the pool deck and tiers), allowing the capacity for swimming lessons. There is a new slide area, with a water depth of 3’ to 3’ 6”, including two exits. Another element for the kids to enjoy is the spray park/splash pad located at the entrance.
The fitness pool will be similar to the original, by including 8 lanes (25 meters in length) for the swim team and dedicated swimmers. The depth will be 4’6” and 6’6” in the outer lanes and includes a diving board and well with a depth of 13’6”. Keeping the recreation center year-round was an upmost priority, and to do so, the new building design focused on creating a facility with two levels. The lower level consists of a bathhouse, bathroom and check-in area, while as the second level includes a programming and community activity space useable throughout the year. The new building’s entrance is more accessible for children, the elderly, and the handicapped, creating a space for people to walk under the second level into the pool area. Another perk is the renovated lower parking lot area and upper lot, and the creation of a more convenient pathway leading to the front entry for carpooling and the handicap. Source Hometown Weekly