About
The Ginny Smithers Pool, located at 5 Cherry St, Somerville, MA, is a popular outdoor, seasonal public swimming facility. Operated by the City of Somerville, it serves as a vital community resource primarily during the summer months, offering recreational swimming, swim lessons, and other aquatic programs for residents of all ages. It is often associated with the Somerville High School complex.
Specific, daily pool temperatures for the Ginny Smithers Pool are not typically published or readily available to the public. As an outdoor public recreational pool, it is generally maintained at a comfortable swimming temperature, often heated, to ensure an enjoyable experience for swimmers during its operating season.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? Reviews for the pool are mixed. While some praise the pool as 'fabulous' with clean water, great staff, and good Covid protocols, others severely criticize the facility for being 'slimy and dirty' with 'rusted out lockers' and safety hazards. Staff receive varied feedback, with some described as nice and friendly, disability-friendly, and good coaches, while others are seen as surly, distracted, or applying too many protocols to adult lanes. Operational issues include a lack of morning lap swim hours (attributed to lifeguard shortages and inter-departmental tension), the discontinuation of private lessons, and frequent locker break-ins. Users also expressed a desire for more diverse payment options beyond cash. Discounts are available for Somerville residents.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Good for Children
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Accessible Entrance
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Accessible Restroom
Reviews
Listing Reviews
December 27th, 2024Tiffany Knight
If only they had morning lap swim hours! They used to, but it seems there’s a shortage of lifeguards and some tension between the school system and the Somerville recreation department. This pool is fabulous and the new staff are really nice and friendly. Great job Arnie!
December 31st, 2023Madeline Henzer
Nice and friendly staff. Very disability friendly. Good for the first time water experience. My swim coach was awesome. However, after the manager died, the new manager got rid of private lessons. Unfair to kids who cannot participate in a group.
December 27th, 2024J L
Get your tetanus shot! Rusted out lockers with exposed jagged edges, remnants of long ago rusted away benches poking up from the floor. Perfect for kids, as you can imagine. It's safety first in Somerville! Pool and deck are always slimy and dirty. Adolescent lifeguards are surly when they're not staring at their phones. Lockers are frequently broken into. Health and safety hazard. AVOID!
January 9th, 2023Sam Kubakz
The water is clean but the staff apply too many protocols to the adult lanes. Discounts available for Somerville residents.
January 14th, 2022Johnson Ramsaur
Great pool, staff and Covid protocols. Would be AMAZING if accepted options other than small-bill cash (credit, Venmo, etc.)
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |