Worcester

Worcester pool closed as DCR seeks police detail after recent violence

Two recent fights at another state-run pool in Worcester, Massachusetts, led to the closing of the Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool at Vernon Hill Park

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Summer is here, but there's one less option to stay cool in Worcester, Massachusetts.

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

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NBC10 Boston spoke with one woman who was planning to bring her son to the pool Friday.

"On Google, they said they were open," said Sarah, a Worcester resident. "So unfortunately, we just got let down a little bit."

The pool is out of service as the DCR works to secure a police detail after recent violence.

For now, residents are upset.

"I've been coming here all my life, and it's been safe," said resident Deeann Laureyns. "Now it's not safe. There's a lot going on."

Laureyns worries about her grandkids' safety, especially after last Thursday, when Worcester police had to break up two separate fights at Bennett Field Pool. A 20-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly pulling out a gun and threatening people.

Over the past several years, the DCR has operated under a policy that requires a law enforcement presence at certain agency pools to ensure safety.

It's unclear when the Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool could reopen.

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