Town of Braintree Massachusetts: Mayor

Petersen Pool

Background
Upon his death in 1963, retired tugboat captain August Julius Petersen bequeathed $65,000 to the Town of Braintree for the purpose of building a pool for the youth of the town. Specifically, the will called for the site of the pool to be at Watson Park along the Fore River.

Watson Park contains baseball fields, tennis courts, a basketball court and a playground. In order to build the pool at this location, site preparation would require the removal of one or more of the above mentioned recreational resources. Thus, many residents have felt that this would not be a suitable location for the pool.

For that reason, in 2006 the Town of Braintree sought relief from the terms of the will from the Norfolk Probate and Family Court. On December 12, 2006, the town was granted relief from the provision requiring the pool to be built at Watson Park. Since that time, the town has reviewed numerous sights throughout town.

For the past 45 years, many committees have been established and disbanded; nevertheless public debate over the location of the pool has prevented it from being built.

Present Day
Today, Capt. Petersen’s original bequest of $65,000 has grown to its present value of $2,002,518.81.

Mayor Sullivan’s Plan
On October 9, 2008, Mayor Sullivan addressed the East Braintree Civic Association (EBCA) and outlined his vision for the Petersen Pool.

Under his plan, the Petersen Pool would be a full size, seasonal pool for use by all residents. A fee for maintenance and operations of the pool may be required in order to ensure a safe, secure and community environment.

In wishing to adhere to the intent of the original bequest of Capt. Petersen, Mayor Sullivan has called for the pool to be built in Watson Park.

Situating the pool within Watson Park will enhance the area. The ball fields will continue to operate although the Babe Ruth field will need to be shifted to either Adams Park or Hollis Field. This will allow the pool to be centrally located within the park with greater proximity to parking – which will be expanded.

Additionally, because the pool offers family orientated activities beyond just the ball fields – the town will work with all interested parties to improve the existing snack bar area with picnic tables and create a family cookout area and seating adjacent to the pool. The town will also tree line the park along Gordon Road.

A walking trail along the perimeter of the park from the Braintree Yacht Club (BYC), along the existing sea wall, to the children’s playground, through the Frank Toland Memorial Walkway, to Smith Beach will be put in place and blended together to increase the liveliness and the recreational opportunities that Watson Park can offer. Moreover, the parking lot at Smith Beach would be incorporated for Watson Park/Smith Beach/Petersen Pool usage.

Watson Park has the individual attractions and assets already in place. What the town needs to do is integrate the existing pieces – Smith Beach to the BYC – and add the attraction of the Petersen Pool to bring about a community based, family oriented transformation of Watson Park into a shinier and newer asset beyond what it is today.

The site has challenges, but they are not insurmountable.

Watson Park is good today. With some foresight, it can be great tomorrow!