City Council reappropriates funds for Greenwood Pool renovations and announces grand opening date

Under the bright lights of Gardner City Hall, Mayor's Update on April 25, 2025, brought a wave of excitement and important announcements for the community. The meeting highlighted significant improvements and upcoming events that promise to enhance the lives of residents.

One of the most notable updates was the recent renovation of the Greenwood Memorial Pool. The outdoor facility has received a much-needed facelift, with new siding and roofing that come with a remarkable hundred-year warranty. This upgrade replaces the old, worn wooden shingles that had long been a fixture at the site. The mayor expressed gratitude to the city council for reallocating funds from a school project that came in under budget, allowing for this transformation. The Greenwood Outdoor Pool and Spray Park is set to officially open for the 2025 season on June 18, coinciding with the end of the school year, when many of the lifeguards will be available.

In addition to the pool renovations, the mayor announced that downtown parking meters are now active and being enforced. After a delay in installation due to winter weather, the new meters are fully operational, offering both cash and smartphone payment options through the ParkMobile app. Residents are urged to be mindful of the new enforcement to avoid tickets.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming demolition of the Rome building at the corner of Main Street and Willow Street, scheduled to begin next week. This project will lead to temporary road closures, and the mayor encouraged residents to stay informed through the city’s social media and website for updates on detours.

Further developments include the opening of bids for the demolition of the Greenwood Pool, which is still in the planning stages. The mayor assured the community that updates would be provided as the project progresses.

Lastly, the meeting celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Donna Hodge as the new president of Fitchburg State University, marking a significant partnership between the university and the city. The mayor congratulated Dr. Hodge, emphasizing the strong ties between Gardner and local educational institutions.

As the meeting wrapped up, the mayor invited residents to mark their calendars for a series of upcoming events, including graduation ceremonies for Gardner High School and Mount Wachusett Community College, signaling a vibrant season ahead for the community.